Could Arsenal’s answers lie closer to home?

With every passing day Arsenal seem to be linked to another attacking midfielder. Stevan Jovetic, Isco and Maxime Gonalons are all names that have been floating around, whilst some papers are reporting a return for Cesc Fabregas to be on the cards. Loic Remy’s name has also now started appearing, whilst Fabio Quagliarella is also said to be a target.

But do Arsenal really need any of these names? For sure, all the above are quality players, but would they really help Arsenal’s situation?

Arsenal may find the solutions to their attacking problems at home. Tomas Rosicky has returned to form for the club, and been a key player in their recent revival. Santi Cazorla has been a great addition to the team, and rarely has a signing had such an immediate impact. Gervinho has improved this year, and whilst there is more untapped potential in the Ivorian, his dribbling and link-up play have been useful in Arsenal’s push for third place. Aaron Ramsey often frustrates, and may not have the talent of some of his peers to dictate play, but the Welshman can prove quick and clinical on his day, and can thrive in a strong team whilst Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been steady rather than spectacular in his second season, but a useful option none the less.

Additionally the Gunners have Ryo Miyachi returning from a loan with Wigan and will also welcome back the Costa-Rican winger Joel Campbell from his spell at Real Betis. Both are prodigies with the potential to step up given the chance.

The depth of Arsenal’s attacking options gives a selection headache without any signings being made. Arsenal have scored 67 goals this season, with many coming from midfield, so to change the formula would be baffling. If you compare this season’s team to the 2011-12 squad, the obvious difference is the loss of Alex Song and Robin Van Persie. Many of Arsenal’s goals came from this combination, and whilst Van Persie is irreplaceable, the Gunners could have made more effort to replace Song.

Arsenal should make it their priority this summer to find a new defensive midfielder of Song’s quality, instead of splashing out on a new attacker. Given another year the youthful squad could develop into a force. Already we are seeing signs of development with Arsenal turning their form around to go on an 8-match unbeaten streak. Arsenal’s problem has been conceding goals rather than scoring them, so should this not be the area to prioritise?

Will Mata