Although Arsenal are sat top of the Premier League table, Manchester City and Chelsea are lurking just behind. The Gunners have done tremendously well to get where they are this season and thoroughly deserve to be there, though looking through the squads I can’t help but feel that the two sides directly below possess stronger squads. For me, should the north London side sign the two places I am going to mention below, then they could hang on to top spot and secure that elusive trophy they have been waiting for.
First up, I would say that a striker is needed. I don’t think many would agree that Olivier Giroud needs some kind of back up, and with Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner both currently injured, it leaves just Serge Gnabry and Lukas Podolski, though they are both primarily wingers.
The striker that I put forward is Fernando Llorente, who is struggling for game time at Juventus. The Spanish target man would provide the spearhead that Arsenal lack when Giroud is not playing, and he also has a decent history in front of goal. He has scored 10 goals this season in his 22 bit-part appearances.
Perhaps a loan deal until the summer could suit all parties.
Secondly I think that the Gunners need a young, pacey centre-back. Per Mertesacker is probably the first name on the team-sheet right now, but with Laurent Koscielny always looking vulnerable to a mistake and Thomas Vermaelen’s future looking unclear, I think a player who could come in and partner Mertesacker, or even keep the current pair on their toes is what is needed.
The name I put forward is Kurt Zouma, who has had a terrific season at Saint Etienne so far. The 19-year-old is a real powerful defender who can also play nice football, which you will be able to see in the video below.