Taariq Hayat
So, another Premier League campaign has finished, with this one being slightly different for Arsenal fans. While it was probably expected that they would finish outside the top four, fans probably didn’t expect Arsene Wenger to call it a day as manager, and preparations should already be underway ahead of next season. While the main focus needs to be on who will replace Wenger in the dugout, The Gunners also need to look at bringing in some fresh faces on the playing side too and building from the back would be a great start.
There’s no denying that Peter Cech, 35, has been a great goalkeeper throughout his career, but with more errors creeping into his game, Arsenal need to look for a new number one ahead of the 2018/19 campaign. Either Cech, or David Ospina, would provide solid back up but a new first choice keeper is a must. It may be hard to tempt a world class keeper such as Jan Oblak to the Emirates due to the lack of Champions League football but someone such as Jack Butland from relegated Stoke City could be a shrewd signing.
Arsenal have also had problems at centre half this season, conceding 51 goals over the course of the campaign. Questions have been asked of the likes of Shkodran Mustafi and the now long-term absentee Laurent Koscielny over the 2017/18 season and Arsenal need to strengthen here too, as a matter of urgency. There have been rumours of a move for Turkish centre-back, Caglar Soyuncu, who currently plies his trade in Germany with SC Freiburg. While he may not be the finished article just yet at the age of 21, he has shown great promise, and he alongside another recruit who has a bit more experience could provide the ideal combination.
With Sven Mislintat heading up the recruitment side of things at the Emirates these days, it’s highly likely he already has a list of potential new signings, with moves for a goalkeeper and defenders high on the agenda. He’s proven in the past that he has a real eye for talent, and while Arsenal don’t currently have a manager in place ahead of next season, the Arsenal board should trust him with funds if the club are to start moving in the right direction once again.
The World Cup could also be ideal in recruitment sense for The Gunners too, with stars often born at international tournaments; and sports news sites like Betting.com are ideal for fans to get all the latest news on who is shining at the tournament. While this often sees a player’s price sky rocket, Mislintat is likely be heading to Russia to cast his eye over potential targets, and he may be able to pick up a gem or two for his latest employers. Wolfsburg keeper, Koen Casteels, is said to be one player that the former Dortmund recruiter is said to have recommended so far ahead of the summer window. It should certainly be an exciting time for Arsenal fans as they get set to embark on a new era.
