It’s been a long and difficult season for Arsenal, one which has ultimately ended in disappointment as they failed to put their grips on the title and take home their first Premier League honour in 12 years. Rather embarrassingly, it was Leicester City who got that honour.
When Arsenal last lifted the title in 2004, it was an honour only they, Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers had achieved. In the 12 years since, Chelsea, Manchester City and Leicester have all added their name in the mix.
For next season, Arsenal’s aim is pretty simple. End the years of hurt and land that elusive crown. However, if Arsene Wenger stays it will be difficult as it’s clear the Frenchman is past his best, whilst he also has a trend of refusing to spend in the transfer market.
Not spending this summer would be a major problem but fortunately, if Wenger does want to go down that road again, there’s some very good players available that can help the Gunners in their push to land the Premier League title and Arsenal won’t have to pay a penny in transfer fees.
Hit the image below to see FIVE free agents that can help land Arsenal the Premier League title!
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Think of a free agent available this summer and your mind will instantly jump to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Paris Saint-Germain’s all-time leading goalscorer will bid farewell to France this summer and could move to the Premier League, with it being one of just two major leagues missing from his illustrious career.
Of course, Ibrahimovic has never played in the Bundesliga, and he’s unlikely to ever, but he’s gained experience in Italy, France and Spain, making English football the big feather missing from his cap- and it’s a match made in heaven for Arsenal.
The Gunners need a world-class striker and a big name to strike fear into their opposing defences and Ibrahimovic is a player who almost guarantees 30 goals a season. It would be a test to achieve that number in England but would you bet against him?
Gregory Van Der Wiel
Sticking with the PSG theme, Gregory Van Der Wiel is also another name calling time on his spell with the French champions. Van Der Wiel has been ousted from the first-team picture at stages during his career in Paris, so he’ll want more first-team opportunities.
That’s something Arsenal should be able to offer him in abundance, as currently there’s only Hector Bellerin as an option on the right-flank. With Mathieu Debuchy highly likely to leave permanently this summer, Arsenal will need an alternative to their talented Spaniard.
Sure, Bellerin would still be first choice but every player needs a rest and, given Arsenal’s injury record, having just one player in this area would be a massive risk.
Sofiane Feghouli
Arsenal this season have looked lacking in attack and whilst Olivier Giroud takes the brunt of the criticism, a large part of the problems can be attributed to the three behind him- particularly with one of the wider areas.
Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are stars in their own right and will continue to be so next season but they need another big name to complete the trio. Alex Iwobi has impressed but cannot be relied upon, whilst Joel Campbell remains absent, so that leaves Danny Welbeck, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott.
For each of the trio it’s a position they don’t favour and the latter pair have been woeful this season. Feghouli has established himself as a tremendous player with Valencia and the Algerian could complete a quality attacking triplet in north London.
Michael Carrick
Midfield changes are likely to be the main areas of Arsene Wenger’s transfer business this summer, with Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini all being uprooted from the squad. Whilst the trio aren’t established first-names anymore, the Gunners will miss their experience behind the scenes.
One option to counteract these departures is Manchester United’s Michael Carrick, who could be prized away from the Red Devils if he isn’t offered a fresh contract. He has experience and is Arsenal’s sort of player, so he shouldn’t be overlooked.
Now 34-years-old though, Arsenal may look for a slightly younger player to give them an experience boost.
Steve Mandanda
Arsenal are likely to endure another goalkeeping shake-up this summer, with Wojciech Szczesny set to return from a loan spell with Roma. As Petr Cech is undoubtably the first-choice goalkeeper at the Emirates, at least one of the duo may be on their way.
Of the pair, the name sacrificed is likely to be David Ospina but Arsenal have to ask serious questions as to whether the controversial Szczesny can genuinely be a first-team regular again in the future, given the wealth of problems last season when the Polish man was first choice.
If the answer is no, then Arsenal should look towards an experienced back-up like Marseille’s Steve Mandanda, before moving for a big-name younger goalkeeper in a few years when Cech hangs up his boots.
