The signing of Granit Xhaka has had our Arsenal fans at the Transfer Tavern jumping for joy.
Securing the services of the Swiss playmaker so early into the summer marks a signal intent from Arsene Wenger, that he is ready to invest big to ensure his side can once again become genuine title contenders.
There has been definite improvement at Arsenal over the past three years, with the Gunners winning back-to-back FA Cups, as well as finishing second in the league this campaign – their best finish in over a decade.
Signing’s such as Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have propelled the clubs fortunes upwards, and signing of Xhaka looks like another step in the right direction.
Ultimately however, there seems to still be a certain reluctance to invest, inevitably meaning that Arsene Wenger and his men continue to fall short of the expectation set by themselves during the previous decade, where they won 3 Premier League titles between 1996-2006.
One area that is crying for a change is Arsenal’s front line. While Olivier Giroud may feel hard done by having been the club’s top scorer in two of the past three seasons, the Gunners’ front line still lacks a world class touch.
Having just missed out on Premier League glory this time out, will that be enough to convince Wenger to bring in the front line his side oh so crave? Our landlord hopes so and thinks this front THREE could see Arsenal win the title next time out…..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE DREAM FRONT THREE!
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Alexis Sanchez
Now their third most expensive signing – behind both Xhaka and Ozil – Sanchez has been a huge hit at the Emirates since his arrival in 2014.
In his first season, Sanchez finished the club’s top scorer, providing moment of magic for the Gunners that earned him a shower of praise, including club legend Thierry Henry who said the Chilean was the ‘best signing Arsenal had made in the last 6 years.’
While he may not have had as bigger impact this campaign, the former Barcelona man still bagged 17 goals in all competitions and showed glimpses of his undeniable talent throughout the year. Holding on to Sanchez is a must for Arsene Wenger.
Vincent Janssen
Now the name Vincent Janssen may not scream ‘world class striker’ to many – especially when well established names such as Gonzalo Higuain and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are being thrown around – but the big Dutchman might just be the perfect man for Wenger.
At only 21, Janssen has had a phenomenal season in the Eredivisie, scoring 27 goals in 34 games for John van den Brom’s side. He is big, tall, powerful and has an adhering ability to be in the right place at the right time – a perfect signing to add strength and aggression to a tiki-taka Arsenal front line.
It may be a gamble, as proven by previous Eredivisie signings such as Ryan Babel and Mateja Kezman, but Wenger could just land himself a Luis Suarez if he is lucky.
Felipe Anderson
Manchester United are allegedly leading the chase for the young Brazilian winger’s signature, however Arsenal should not discount their chances of brining Anderson to the Emirates during the summer.
The skilful Lazio forward has had a terrific season in Italy, scoring 9 goals and providing 4 assists, helping his side to a respectable 8th placed finish. That doesn’t seem an astonishing return nor result, however don’t forget Anderson is merely 22 and is still learning his trade in Serie A.
The Brazilian is highly rated, and would come with a big price tag of around £47 million, but if Wenger were to secure his services, Arsenal would be in possession of one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers and a player for both now and years to come.
