Arsenal remain on course for a second placed finish, after a dour goalless draw at home to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
The result leaves Arsene Wenger’s side a point behind second placed Manchester City with a game in hand, and although the Frenchman is still to beat Jose Mourinho in 13 attempts, he will be satisfied with the performance of his in form side.
Prior to the draw, the Gunners were on a run that had seen them record eight consecutive league wins.
The regret at the end of this season will be the way in which the Gunners failed to start as well as they have finished.
Had they done so, a genuine title challenge would have been on the cards.
That will be the target next season no doubt, and here we have identified five signings to reinvigorate the Gunners and ensure they start the new campaign in the same vein of form they look set to finish the season in.
Click on Arsene Wenger to reveal 5 signings who would reinvigorate Arsenal this summer
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Petr Cech
David Ospina has done well for the Gunners since being drafted in to replace Wojciech Szcezsny in January, but the signing of Chelsea’s current number two would take the club to the next level.
Cech remains one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers, and would walk into most teams comfortably.
Jose Mourinho has admitted he will not stand in his way should he choose to leave as expected, although it will take a mega offer from the Gunners to make Chelsea accept – however it is one well worth making.
Raheem Sterling
12 months ago Brendan Rodgers described Raheem Sterling as the best young player in Europe, and now it is looking increasingly likely he may become available this summer.
The 20-year-old has put talks over a new contract at Anfield on hold until the end of the season, and Arsenal are amongst the favourites to get his signature.
One of the brightest young talents in the country, Sterling would fit into Arsenal’s system perfectly, whilst Wenger’s record of working with young players down the years will give him reason to believe he can go on to achieve his target of becoming one of the world’s best.
Morgan Schneiderlin
The Southampton midfielder has been linked with Arsenal for the best part of a year, and it seems as though the summer may be the time in which they finally land their man.
The Gunners look set to beat Tottenham to the signature of the France international, having all but assured themselves of Champions League football ahead of their north London rivals.
Schneiderlin has been outstanding for the Saints in that defensive midfield role for the past two seasons, and would compliment his fellow countryman Francis Coquelin – who has been fantastic since the turn of the year – in a more balanced Arsenal midfield next season.
James Milner
Too often Arsenal have been accused of lacking both experience and passion – qualities that Manchester City’s James Milner has in abundance.
Milner is on the verge of ending his current contract at the Etihad, and Arsenal have been linked with what would be a shrewd free transfer this summer.
The England man is capable of playing in a number of different positions, and provides Premier League experience and the grit that has often been missing from Arsenal’s performances (any time they play Stoke at the Britannia.)
Milner would be a useful addition to any squad on a free transfer.
John Stones
Everton have endured a disappointing season, and may well be forced to part with one of their prized assets in order to spend anything this summer – with the club having splashed £28million on Romelu Lukaku almost 12 months ago.
Per Mertesacker has looked past his best this season, and young centre back John Stones would be a fine long term successor.
Stones has struggled for fitness this season, but remains one of the best young defenders in the country. The idea of him competing with January signing Gabriel Paulista and Laurent Koscielny for a place next season with Mertesacker dropping down to fourth choice would be a sign the Gunners are beginning to evolve defensively.
