Should Arsenal go for a striker as first priority?

Last season at the Emirates Stadium, everyone witnessed a great season from Arsenal as they remained on top of the table for over 100 days. However, at the business time of the season the performances went down and the issue of depth in the squad became a big debate.

Forwards

Olivier Giroud: The only recognized front man at the The Emirates last season

A problem that was recognized last season was the lack of strikers. When Arsenal’s main striker Giroud suffered a lack of form and later an injury, the Gunners were ill-prepared. Especially with Walcott, who was already lost to long term injury and Sanogo, inexperienced and yet to instill confidence in the fans when it comes to converting the goal scoring opportunities.

But this season, Arsenal will be privileged to the services of not only Giroud but also Joel Campbell who has won many plaudits for his performances at the group stages of the World Cup. The wish of Walcott to play in a central role also means another available option for the striking requirements, and not to forget the experience of Podolski could always be helpful in the position as well.

So adding another striker this season, might just imply to lower the play time of these strikers. Hence, at least I would not have a striker on top of my shopping list.

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Midfield

Arsene Wenger decided against bringing ex-Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas back

The Arsenal midfield too seems like a bit full, as that could be the only possible reason why Mr. Wenger would pass the opportunity to sign former club captain and a fan favourite Cesc Fabregas. Gooners across the world would hope that Arsene Wenger’s judgement would be vindicated.

Indeed, Arsenal has abundant talent in the midfield with Arteta, Flamini, Rosicky, Cazorla, Ozil, Wilshere, Abou Diaby (if he manages to stay injury free), Serge Gnabry, Oxlade Chamberlain and Ramsey and it’s the last place where they need re-enforcements.

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Defence

Bacary Sagna’s departure leaves a huge gap at the back

The Mertesacker and Koscielny pair was good news for the Gunners as they rarely lost a match in which these two played. However, in a hectic season fatigue became their biggest enemy and Arsenal currently lack quality players who could take over from these two, if any of them gets injured during the course of the season.

Certainly Vermaelen is still the club captain, but he is a club captain who has lost his first team place and the amount of reports that suggests him leaving this term might mean it’s time to look at the centre of the defence as an area which will need reinforcements if Arsenal are to maintain their title aspirations. Additionally with Bacary Sagna moving to Manchester City, it also leaves the spot of right-back up for grabs with current back-up Carl Jenkinson is still yet to convince with his performances. This is going to be a tough season for Arsenal, especially with the absence of Sagna in the back four.

So what does Arsenal need to have their focus on and prioritize their reinforcements? How many first team goal-keepers does Arsenal currently have? That’s right, just one. The departure of Arsenal’s FA Cup hero Lukasz Fabianski has left a big hole to cover between the poles.

Arsenal should not be in desperation to buy a striker in this transfer market. They should first put their resources and focus on adding players in the defence and a goal-keeper to back up Szczesny, before going on to strengthen their forward line with Campbell coming back from loan to provide added force that was missing last season. Arsenal need immediate replacements in the defensive end and particularly a competent back up goal-keeper should be put high on priority list rather than a striker.