Arsenal has
uncharacteristically done so much of business so early this summer that with
three weeks left in the window the question hovering around Arsenal is not that
of a common one: who are Arsene Wenger going to sign?
But for this season, it
has been transformed into: will Wenger bring in more? If Arsene Wenger’s words
are anything to go by, then the answer is ‘yes’ surely.
“Who’s next [to sign
for Arsenal]? I don’t know. There could still be one signing. Just the one,
maybe two maximum,” said
Arsene Wenger recently when asked about any possible new
recruit.
So far, Arsenal has spent
60 million pound and Wenger’s transfer kitty still has a
significant portion untouched, after making 4 new signings including Chile
forward Alexis Sanchez, France international Mathieu Debuchy, Southampton academy
graduate Calum Chambers and Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina.
All of them are pretty
much exciting signings. More importantly, no major player has yet left Arsenal
this summer, something which became more or less a trend in the recent seasons
at the Emirates.
Speculation, however,
is rife that club captain Thomas Vermaelen is not going to extend his current
deal with Arsenal expiring next summer, signaling his looming departure with
Manchester United, Barcelona and Napoli showing interests in the 12 million pound-rated
Belgium international.
Wenger had earlier said
that if Vermaelen left, he would have to bring in someone to replace him even
though the former Ajax star is not the first choice center-back now.
The Arsenal boss has reportedly
identified Germany international Mats Hummels as a possible
replacement in what would be a real coup after the Borussia Dortmund defender’s
exquisite display during this year’s world cup in Brazil.
However, a central
defender does not feature prominently in Arsenal’s almost-done transfer wish
list. Rather, the Frenchman intends to bring a robust central midfielder to add
some much-needed steel in his midfield with Arteta and Flamini aging and often
falling exposed.
Sami Khedira and
William Carvalho have been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates almost
throughout the summer with both men believed to be leading Wenger’s targets for
central midfield.
There are some who are
suggesting that Arsenal should buy an out-and-out striker who can compete with
Olivier Giroud who shouldered Arsenal’s goal-scoring burden to a large extent
last season. Wenger has, however, already indicated that he has no intention to
sign another striker after the acquisition of Chilean Sanchez, not least
following Sanogo’s 4-goal haul against Benfica in the Emirates Cup and a
vibrant arrival of Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell in the same tournament.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is
experiencing an e-commerce boost after the
summer unveiling of the club’s new Puma Kits which are available for sale here
at Arsenal Store.