JANUARY TRANSFER MARKET :ARSENAL

ARSENAL

 It has been Almost 8 years since we saw a phenomena in English Football called the  'The Invincibles' , after Invincibles', Arsenal shouldn't have stopped, but their stubborn manager Arsene Wenger efficacy has propelled him to let his best players leave the club,and build a team around youngsters. His work with young player has always been great,but then  the  youngster which thrived for glory(and money+medals)couldn't adhere themselves with Arsenal for long. Arsenal was, is and will always be a top team with top table finish, but has never been a team which  threatened other top teams for titles. Lately Wenger did realize that his efforts are not going in right direction and young players are not the  solution, so he signed Mikel Arteta, very unusual signing from a manger who usual prefer's young player. 

Wenger was quick to get Lukas Podolski, Oliver Giroud, Santi Cazorla to Arsenal as if he already knew that at some point Robin Van Persie will leave Arsenal.

Arsenal failed to have a perfect start but it was still a decent one. Players seem to be very inconsistent, with Giroud missing the easiest chances and Podolski's form being aberrant. Arsenal have been very inconsistent till now but I would not blame them because it has been the story of PL so far, but it was shocking to see Arsenal losing to Bradford FC, a second division club. Currently Arsenal are 5th in Premier League table. Although Arsenal signed Podolski and Giroud in summer, Arsenal striking department has never looked cogent at times. Another area of concern for Arsenal has been the mediocre defense.  

Current Arsenal Line up and Squad 

Arsenal first team line up:

Arsenal second team line up:

Note: First team and second team line up has been made on the basis of start player have got so far.

  

DEFENDER:

Arsenal's defense hasn't been up to the mark and has lots of glitches, Vermaelen  has been the only positive in Arsenal defense, Mertesacker has been good but sloppy at times , Koscielny has been  plagued with injuries this season. Jenkinson as RB has shown some quality, but still needs to burgeon, while Sagna has not been very impressive. Gibbs needs lots of improvement. Santos has been awful.

Arsenal LB hasn't been up to the mark. If they want to improve defensively they need to change their LB, Gibbs and Santos are poor at that position

Szczęsny and Mannone have got fair amount of chances and both need improvements. They don't seem to be of Arsenal quality but yet again they are quite young.

Overall i would rate it 6/10

MIDFIELDER

Midfield has been quite sorted. Arteta has comfortably adapted to role of CDM and has been quite brilliant over there, his passing and vision has been great. He plays a key role in Arsenal playmaking. Ramsey has been above average, well not much of expectations from him.

Wilshere has shown some class in midfield after his return and fits perfectly in the role of playmakers and his love for club has just made him better player though he still need to work on his fitness.

Cazorla has been nothing less than world class, best Arsenal signing this season. He has been Arsenal most outstanding and consistent player.

Overall Arsenal midfield has been good. I would rate it 9/10.

Forwards

 Podolski and Giroud were brought in to replace RVP, but didn't live up to the expectations. Podolski has shown some class, but he has been too capricious. Giroud, apart from one or two matches, has been awful.

Gervinho has been average, as expected and has missed chances, one of which qualifies for miss of decade. Alex-OX is improving season by season he need more start he has the talent to become better. Walcott has been outstanding  with all that chance's he has got and has proven he deserves a place in Arsenal starting XI.

Overall forward department has been inconsistent and requires reinforcement.  I would rate it 6.5/10.

  

ARSENAL TARGETS

     

  

Arsenal are targeting bundesliga top socrer Huntelaar, who is up for grab for a cut short price of 5m to 9m as he is yet to renew his contract which ends in june 2013. It doesn't seems that Hutelaar will any soon sign a new contract so might join arsenal. Many clubs are after Huntelaar and this might be one such signing that will be decided on the closing day of transfer window.
Arsenal are also targeting Newcastle striker Demba Ba who has an salary issue's with Newcastle and will be available for price of 7.5m which is his release clause. Deal seems to be very close, and he might join arsenal in the very first week of transfer window.

Arsenal are also targeting Pepe Reina from Liverpool this deal doesn't seem to  go through,as Liverpool has made it clear that they have no intention of losing their first choice keeper.

Nathaniel Clyne left back from Southampton seems to be other Arsenal target, considering  the fact that Arsenal wants Santos out. Clyne is promising talent but won't be available cheaply.

Wifired zaha is another player being chased by Arsenal his transfer value has increased since he made debut for English national team , he is being chased by many big club's another player who's faith will be decided on the last week of transfer window.

Thierry Henry might just return to Arsenal on another loan deal. Wenger may just surprise everyone by bringing few french talents such as Loic Remy, M'villa etc

PLAYER LIKELY TO LEAVE

  
Andre Santos never had a good relation with Wenger,and his awful performance is likely to show him gates out of the club . Fenerbahçe has made an enquiry about availability of Santos, his likely destination is turkey.


Walcott has finally made a breakthrough. He came to arsenal as a youngster, he was considered to be brightest english talent ,but he was never consistent, but this season he has been 2nd best arsenal player ,walcott has highest no of goals on all competitions,yet sometimes he fails to get starts. Walcott contract expires in June 2013 so will be available for cheap price. Walcott doesn't seem to sign new contract as his wages demand are to high to be met by Arsenal, Wenger is putting his best efforts to not let Walcott leave but all seems to be in vain. Walcott has been linked to clubs like Liverpool,Chelsea, Manchester United lately but situation seems to be unclear, deal wouldn't strike before last week of transfer market.

Blogger's verdict:

Arsenal fans should a expect busy transfer window. Wenger's position as Arsenal manager still remain gloomy though he is likely to stay.
Walcott issue should be resolved as early as possible. There can be a dramatic transfer saga at Emirates, so stay tuned.

PS: This blog was written before Huntelaar signed a new contract, so he is very unlikely to join arsenal now.

Next up will be united and city.