The winter transfer window is now open, and with Arsenal guaranteed to lose Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez either this month or in the summer it is imperative that Arsene Wenger concentrates on bringing in some replacements. We are also leaking goals at an alarming rate, and with Mertesacker retiring, Debuchy definitely leaving, and Koscielny and Monreal both feeling the effects of age on their bodies, perhaps the defence is the area we need to concentrate on first?
This is what Wenger said today about if and when any potential incomings or outgoings could be arriving. He replied: “‘When’ is very difficult to say, because we are out there and look to do some things, but when we will do is very difficult to say because it is not only on us.”
And what does he think that the positions that are most important to reinforce? “We are open in any position for the exceptional player who can give us a plus.” he said. “Of course it depends a little bit on the injuries as well and on the other hand I must say it depends on who will manage to extend the contracts of the players who are at the end of their contracts in June. It will depend on that as well because we will have to take the consequences of these decisions and respond to it.”
We all know the consequences will be that we are losing a playmaker, Ozil, a winger in Alexis and definitely two defenders at least, so basically we need these “exceptional players” in just about every position on the pitch! And we need them as soon as possible!
But do we believe Wenger can find them? And if he does, would he pay the exorbitant prices that they will cost?
For some reason I am very cynical on those points. Does anyone believe he will do either?
Darren N