With just two weeks remaining in the summer transfer window, Arsène Wenger has little time to improve Arsenal’s depleted list and prepare his side for a genuine title push.
In what might be the final year of his 20-year spell as manager, the notoriously stubborn Frenchman has lost the faith of many fans following his failure to splash the cash, while rival clubs are paying over the odds to significantly strengthen their squads.
Outside90’s Adam Pallotta identifies five players who will solve Arsenal’s positional deficiencies and reinvigorate their quest for success.
Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) – Striker
The French forward has a proven scoring record in Ligue 1, recording 76 goals in his last three seasons with Lyon, and would be welcomed with open arms at the Emirates. Alexandre Lacazette’s immense pace, sharpness, and dribbling ability would provide Arsenal with an alternative to Olivier Giroud’s size and power. His club loyalty is highly-valued in today’s market, and his versatility to also play as a winger makes him an enticing prospect. The Londoners have shown interest in securing his signature, however, negotiations have come to a standstill following Lyon’s £60 million valuation for the highly-rated attacker.
Javier Hernández (Bayer Leverkusen) – Striker
Bayer Leverkusen livewire Javier Hernández would be a positive addition to Arsenal’s attack, scoring an impressive 26 times in all competitions last campaign. The former Manchester United striker has taken great strides since his exile from the Premier League club, and would provide Wenger with more variations and greater unpredictability up front. ‘Chicharito’ is agile and fast, and has invaluable experience from playing in most of Europe’s top leagues. The Mexico international has a proven record when given the game time, and would fall well within Wenger’s frugal budget.
James Rodríguez (Real Madrid) – Attacking Midfielder
The Gunners should pursue the services of Real Madrid’s James Rodríguez following the unfortunate injuries and fluctuating form of Arsenal’s attacking-midfield. The 25-year-old is surplus to requirements following a poor second season at the Bernabeu and would relish the opportunity for regular first team action. The Colombian star has excellent vision and pin-point passing, fine technique from long range, and can play through the centre or on the wing. Rodríguez would be a major coup for Arsenal, but his £65 million price tag is the biggest hindrance to the deal.
Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia) – Centre-back
Following the calamitous opening round defensive display against Liverpool, Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi would add some much-needed experience to the heart of Arsenal’s backline. The German international has great strength and tackling ability, and competently satisfies Wenger’s need for defensive reinforcements amid their injury crisis. The manager is unwilling to pay the £30 million that Valencia want for him, but might have bargaining power with the Spanish club needing to sell players to meet Financial Fair Play regulations. He has been a long-term target for Arsenal, reportedly leaving him to train alone while his future is up in the air.
José Fonte (Southampton) – Centre-back
Fresh off the success at Euro 2016, Portugal’s Jose Fonte would be a welcome addition to replenish the defensive stocks at the Emirates. The 32-year-old has enjoyed a consistent spell since joining Southampton in 2010, and would be a low-risk option given his extensive Premier League experience. Fonte is at the backend of his career and could be lured with the potential to win trophies and play in the Champions League, and would be available for just £10 million. He is reliable and technically gifted, can read the play well, and demonstrates strong leadership from his performances as captain of the Saints.
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