The German set to solve Arsenal’s defensive problems

The centre back crisis at Arsenal has forced Wenger into the transfer market with more urgency than perhaps he would have. Gabriel and Mertesacker are long term absentees, whilst Koscielny is set miss the opening league game. Although we look set to play two from Chambers, Holding and Bielik on match day one, a new centre back can ensure the first two months of our season start strongly.

Arsenal’s New and Improved Midfield

As the Bundesliga season drew to a close this weekend, there was one event that did not go unnoticed by Arsenal fans. Borussia Monchengladbach (let’s just go with ‘Gladbach’ from now on), already two-nil up took off their captain, Granit Xhaka, to a standing ovation from their fans. The standing ovation was due to his four years of service at the club and his expected impending move to Arsenal this summer. So what do we know about Xhaka, and how does he compare to our current crop?

Mohamed Elneny – Arsenal’s newest midfielder

It’s rare for Arsene Wenger to publicly announce that we’re chasing a player, let alone that a deal is imminent. But he has broken his usual silence and misdirection several times when it comes to Mohamed Elneny. The FC Basel midfielder is set to be the first Egyptian to join Arsenal and will help strengthen the side after injuries to Coquelin, Cazorla and Wilshere.

Joel Campbell’s Week in the First Team

With injuries leaving limited options, Joel Campbell was able enjoy a rare run of first team appearances. Starts against Swansea, Bayern Munich and Tottenham gave him the opportunity to show Wenger what he could offer in a variety of matches. The boss had already described this as a ‘now or never’ situation for the Costa Rican youngster, so how did he perform?

Arsenal’s Right Wing – Rambo v The Ox

One debate amongst Arsenal fans this season has been which player should start on the right wing. The injury to Ramsey in that emphatic victory against Bayern Munich brought Oxlade-Chamberlain into the starting line-up this weekend. Although most Arsenal fans would be happy to see Chamberlain get a start and have a chance, it has been clear that so far this season Ramsey is Wenger’s preferred choice. Given Chamberlain’s winning goal in the Community Shield and his naturally more exciting style of play many Arsenal fans were tipping this to be his season, but ten Premier League games in and it seems that he will be forced to play second fiddle.

Can this £35m man lead Arsenal to Premier League glory?

Arsenal have been linked with every big name striker going this summer. From the ridiculous to the possible, Aubameyang, Ibrahimović, Lewandowski, Lacazette and Dzeko have all been tipped to steal the lone forward role from Giroud. This hasn’t been helped by Lord Harris’ comments saying Arsenal can buy any player they wish. However, if recent reports are to be believed it is a deal for Real Madrid man, Karim Benzema, which is most likely.

Three players, one spot – who should be our first choice right back?

With three very good right backs in the squad there is a tough decision to make as to who should be first choice, second choice and who should be sent away. Strong reports are linking Carl Jenkinson with an imminent return to West Ham for another season long loan spell. The Englishman has had a mixed time at Arsenal but is that the right decision? Does it make more sense to give Hector Bellerin a loan spell as a first choice right back, or should the young talent be Arsenal’s first choice? And where does all this leave fit again Debuchy? The stats below help to give a meaningful comparison.

Arturo Vidal – Can he win us the league title…?

While Arturo Vidal is having a stunning Copa America in his homeland, rumours are circulating that a £21m transfer for him to leave Juventus for a ‘top European club’ has been completed with only the announcement waiting. That team is now widely reported to be Arsenal, a rumour which has provoked mixed feelings from the Arsenal faithful. Do we need him? Where would he play? Does his play fit the ‘Arsenal’ model? I’ve taken a look at the numbers to help answer these key questions.

Raheem Sterling – is the Liverpool man worth the money?

The Raheem Sterling transfer saga looks to last most the summer with Liverpool determined to maximise their return on him. Given his comments towards the end of the season a move away seems almost certain, but with various teams interested – Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid – and a price tag ranging from £25m to £75m, the story is far from predictable. Putting aside the controversies, rumours and ‘insider claims’, just how good is Sterling? Is he a star in an average Liverpool side or can he compete for a starting spot amongst the best teams in the league? The stats below provide a surprising and objective look at the former QPR youth player.

Paulo Dybala – The striker in demand

Paulo Dybala. Unless you’ve avoided all transfer rumours for the past two months, you would have heard about Palermo’s latest striking sensation from South America. Following in the footsteps of Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore, who both started their European careers at Palermo, Dybala is set to make a big money move this summer. Arsenal were one of the first clubs to be linked with him, and their outspoken chairman has confirmed we have submitted a bid, although it doesn’t meet their €50m valuation.