The 2013-14 season saw the Gunners finish in fourth position for the sixth time in the last nine Premier League seasons.Arsenal also ended their nine-year trophy droughtthrough triumphing over Hull City in yesterdays FA Cup final, though theres a danger the achievement may obscure issues and expectations surrounding the club.Although they did lead the title race for a prolonged period this time around, a combination of injuries and capitulations in matches against teams around them in the table saw them fall away in the campaigns final third, something which has become an all too regular theme in the few last years.It is safe to say Arsenal fans fully believe they should be challenging for the title much more often than they have been. The sheer lack of progression in the last few years is quite staggering. Arsene Wengers men are now expected to fall away from the race for the title but still qualify for the Champions League, in the latter stages of seasons, rather than win major trophies regularly.To build on the FA Cup victory and escape the general malaise throttling the clubs ambitions, Arsenals squad simply must be strengthened this summer.After last September saw Wenger splash 42million at the end of the transfer window to snap up Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid, the Gunners faithful expect more big money deals to follow in the next few months. Here are three players who Arsenal should sign this summer to strengthen their squad in key areas to help them challenge in all four major competitions next season.
#1 Mario Mandzukic
Trending
A sheer lack of depth in the striking department has hindered the Gunners all year. Frenchman Olivier Giroud has had plenty of criticism thrown his way and whilst it may have been warranted at times, he hardly managed to get a rest due to the lack of quality replacements at the club. This means if signing a new striker was important in January; it is an absolute necessity for Wenger now. One man who could be available and is capable of leading the line on his own in Arsenal’s current system is Bayern Munich frontman Mario Mandzukic.
The Croatian is an expert at holding the ball up and thrives in physical battles in the air and on the floor against defenders but, most importantly, loves scoring goals. Mandzukic has found the net 18 times this season in 30 Bundesliga appearances with 69% of his 65 shots hitting the target, which is a fantastic accuracy rate. After the striker was left out of the Bayern squad for the German Cup final and with Robert Lewandowski’s arrival imminent, a transfer looks to be on the cards and Arsenal should swoop for his services.
#2 Morgan Schneiderlin
Defensive midfield is another area which Arsenal need to strengthen this summer. Someone who sits and breaks up play whilst allowing the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere to burst forward from deep would do very nicely for Wenger’s men. Step forward Southampton’s reliable anchor man, Morgan Schneiderlin.
The Frenchman has been extremely consistent for the Saints since their promotion to the Premier League and would certainly be seen by many as an upgrade on both Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini. He attempts, on average, 5.5 tackles per game based on this season’s statistics, having attempted a total of 187 tackles in 33 appearances and reclaimed possession back 48% of the time. Schneiderlin also performed 68 interceptions and showed he can pick out a pass through the lines when he needs to, creating 30 chances on goal.
#3 Loic Remy
Another option in the striking department for Wenger is Giroud’s France teammate, Loic Remy. The QPR forward had an extremely successful loan spell at Newcastle United this summer and would inject some much needed pace into Arsenal’s strike-force. The Gunners have looked one-dimensional and bereft of ideas at times since Theo Walcott’s unfortunate injury but Remy would add another dimension to their attack, with his ability and willingness to run in behind defences.
Remy may have had his injury issues this season but still managed a healthy 14 goals in 26 appearances for the Geordies, meaning he is surely destined for a permanent move this summer. Newcastle lost 10 of the 12 games Remy missed, proving just how crucial his goals were to their season so don’t be surprised if Wenger moves for his fellow countryman in the coming months.
