Pradeep Kachhala
It has been a while since I last posted an article but needless to say, since February our season has been disappointing - more analysis on that from me in the coming weeks by the way...
It should be a busy summer at the E******s - so let’s put our fantasy hat on and assume we have the combined power of Silent Stan, Ivan Gazidis and Wenger. Who should be added to this Arsenal squad to turn undoubted potential into serial winners? Let us first assume the following are shown the door (fingers crossed);
Eboue - Headless chicken. The Liverpool game was the final nail in his coffin.
Denilson – Readers may remember an amusing article about Deckchair Denilson in the Sun. A colleague told me he couldn't believe the Sun gave a two page spread to the non Brazilian's moans. One can only assume it was a slow news day.
Rosicky – Currently occupying a place in the squad which would be better used for a more effective player. Our ‘Little Mozart’ has never been the same since his "injury"
Clichy - Cannot cope with a ball bouncing over his head. I have a feeling some foolish club will offer silly money. Let’s grab it with both hands and give Gibbs or Cruise a chance at left back.
Bendtner - Like Denilson, had a lot of faith placed in him but fell way short of expectation. The fact that he was used on the wing when he came on this season points to AW's lack of belief in him.
Squillaci – Perhaps harsh to go after one season, but not suited to English football.
Almunia - Simply awful. Adios Manuel!
With those guys gone I would bring in the following:
Tony Adams - Wenger said recently that he may add to his backroom staff, especially with Pat Rice staying only one more year. It would be a good opportunity to bring Adams back into the fold, who proved he was a very capable number two at Portsmouth. Some are born to coach (i.e. Brian Kidd at Man Utd and Man City) and this is where Adams would bring significant value at the E******s. Importantly he would rectify our defensive frailties and install a better mentality amongst players about what it means to wear the Arsenal shirt.
Christopher Samba - At 6ft 4 inches Samba is a towering presence who has three seasons of Premier League experience under his belt. He has also been the Blackburn captain, showing he has leadership qualities. Added to this, the ability to score 4-5 goals per season and his willingness to join Arsenal are arguments for Samba being the key component in bringing stability to the Arsenal back four. Price £12 million.
Karim Benzema - A goal machine who if rumours are to be believed, would choose Arsenal as his preferred destination once he is made surplus to requirements at Real Madrid. Importantly he would relieve the burden on RVP. Remember our lack of goals at home during the latter part of this season? Surely a little more firepower would solve it. Price £25 million.
Clarence Seedorf - 1-0 up with 15 minutes to go? Getting a bit nervy? Squeeky bums and sweaty palms? Well why not bring on a man who has won it all yet never played in England? Yes he is a little old but his experience would be vital in closing out games and he could even start the odd few much like Vieira has done at Manchester City. I think he is out of contract at the end of the season which means he would be free too...
In addition to the four I have mentioned I would keep my eye in pre-season on the following youngsters;
Kyle Bartley - Can play in defence and anchor the midfield. Had a very useful spell at Glasgow Rangers but suffered an unfortunate injury just as he was making a name for himself. Realistically though, regular games and another loan spell in a physical league such as the SPL will serve him better next season.
Emmanuel Frimpong - Good mate of Jack Wilshere's and was on the verge of a squad place last season until he was injured. Without any recognised back up for Song he is definitely worthy of starting a dozen or so games next season.
Henri Lansbury - Played a large part in Norwich's promotion to the top flight and scored at White Hart Lane on his first start last season. A space on the flanks might become available if Rosicky leaves, hence like Frimpong he could force himself into the squad come August.
Jay Thomas - On fire in the reserves but followed that up with mixed performances on loan at Cardiff. Had a poor game in the play-off semi final partly due to his deployment on the left wing. I would rather see him on loan in the Premiership, possibly at Bolton where Wilshere and Sturridge have reaped the benefits in past seasons.
Benik Afobe - Perhaps too early for this possible future goal scoring machine. Doing well at Huddersfield in League One, and if they get promoted I would leave him there and let him ply his trade in the Championship for a season.
Ryo Miyachi - To tell you the truth my knowledge of this Japanese youngster's time at Feyenoord consists of watching YouTube clips. He could be next season's Wilshere, and it will be interesting to see him in the Emirates Cup at least.
So what do you think? Any other suggestions? Arsene can spend £37 million (revenue from player sales will reduce the outlay though) and make our squad a little stronger in terms of quality. Or is even more work needed?
