Angel Di Maria played fantastic against QPR last weekend in his home debut at Old Trafford for Manchester United. He provided the Red Devils with a goal and an assist in their 4-0 victory.
The quality which the Argentine showed during this game will be something that Manchester United hope lasts throughout the season as they aim for to achieve their target of playing Champions League football next season.
If they do and Di Maria is the cornerstone behind it, he could turn out to be one of the bargain transfers of the summer.
The 26-year-old transferred to Manchester United from Real Madrid this past summer transfer window for a fee of £59.7m on a five year deal. This is the highest transfer fee ever paid by a British club so you may be thinking, how on earth could this turn out to be a bargain buy?
Since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid back in 2009, United have been crying out for someone to fill the legendary number seven shirt once worn by the likes of David Beckham and Eric Cantona. Ronaldo was sold to Madrid for a fee of £80m and has since left a void in the squad which United have tried – and failed – desperately to fill.
During his time in the Premier League with United, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 84 goals and provided 48 assists from 196 appearances. I believe Di Maria has been brought in to replicate this Cristiano Ronaldo. Whilst they don’t need the goals thanks to prolific goal scorers in Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and the recent arrival of Radamel Falcao, they do need someone to provide the assists. During his time in the La Liga at Real Madrid, Di Maria scored 22 goals and provided 62 assists in 124 appearances. This is 14 more assists in 72 less appearances than what Cristiano Ronaldo did during his time at United.
Di Maria has similar characteristics to Cristiano Ronaldo as well. Both players are strong at playing key passes, holding on to the ball, taking long shots, taking set pieces, and cutting inside. Quintessentially, you could say Di Maria is the poor man’s Cristiano Ronaldo if you consider the difference between rich and poor being just over £20m!
Many United fans have deemed Cristiano Ronaldo irreplaceable, but Di Maria may prove that he can come closer than any other player before him to replacing him. One of the add-ons in Di Maria’s contract with United is if the Argentine wins the FIFA Ballon d’Or, Madrid will receive an extra £4m.
Some critics consider this an ambitious clause in his contract that will never be activated. However, I believe it could be activated one day because of the similarities to Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese has won the award once whilst with Madrid so with Di Maria being a similar type of player, he could be destined with the same fate.
There is one major difference between the two players which was mentioned above. Di Maria only cost United £59.7m whilst Cristiano Ronaldo cost Madrid £80m.
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But buying a Ronaldo-esque player for just over £20m less? That’s what you call the bargain of the summer.
The summer transfer window may be over but we at Football Fancast are already looking forward to it’s winter counterpart.Indeed, the January window rubs certain Premier League managers up the wrong way (ahem, Arsene Wenger), but there are certainly deals to be had, providing you’re looking in the right places.That’s something Louis van Gaal should Âparticularly take on board – his ‘Gaalacticos’ saw Manchester UnitedÂspend around £150million during the off-season, and if more recruitment is planned for January, it should be done with value-for-money in mind.Thus, just in case the Dutchman is short on ideas (although telling him that to his face probably isn’t wise) we’ve come up with a list of FIVE transfer opportunities United must capitalise on in the new year.Some want to experience a higher level of football, others have ridiculously cheap release clauses and a few are bosman-bound stars, about to be thrown on the transfer scrapheap. So without further ado…
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RON VLAAR
Football – Aston Villa v Parma – Pre Season Friendly – Villa Park – 14/15 – 9/8/14Ron Vlaar – Aston VillaMandatory Credit: Action Images / Craig BroughEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
With Manchester United’s attempts to persuade Mats Hummels to swap Borussia Dortmund for Old Trafford falling on deaf ears, the Red Devils need to line up some more realistic centre-back targets for the January window, specifically Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar.
Concrete Ron may not be the most talented centre-half to ever grace Carrington, but he’s as tough as… well, concrete, and has more than proved himself in the Premier League over the last few years by captaining the Villians to consecutive top flight survivals.
Furthermore, the 29 year-old’s World Cup displays at the heart of Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands side were nothing short of talismanic. Here’s a look at Vlaar in action for Oranje:
With Johnny Evans now constituting Manchester United’s most established defender at the ripe old age of 26, the Red Devils’ defence is calling out for a character like Vlaar to add experience and organisation.
Furthermore, his contract at Villa Park is set to expire at the end of the season, an issue so urgent Paul Lambert is holding a meeting with Randy Lerner in the US to discuss his budgets.
Unless Vlaar agrees new terms, Aston Villa will be obliged to sell in January. There are already rumours of a £4million bid from United:
But Arsenal, Tottenham and Southampton, to name a few, have all been linked since the summer.
JAN VERTONGHEN
A more coveted – and thus expensive – option at centre-half could come in the form of Jan Vertonghen.
The Tottenham star is regarded as one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs and his front-footed style epitomises Louis van Gaal’s attacking ethos – in truth, the Red Devils should have been targeting him months ago.
Indeed, the 27 year-old gained his standing in England through marauding displays during his inaugural Premier League season, finishing up with seven goals in all competitions – the majority of which were from open play. Here’s a look at his stats from that campaign:
And the Belgium international in action:
Manchester United’s defence has lacked that kind of ball-playing presence ever since Rio Ferdinand’s pace began to wane, whilst his leadership qualities will be vital to a Red Devils backline that’s lacked direction and organisation this season.
Despite Louis van Gaal’s interest in the defender seemingly rather limited, a prime transfer opportunity has come United’s way. Vertonghen has just ended contract talks at White Hart Lane without signing a new deal, putting his future in serious doubt:
Daniel Levy is known for his persistent refusal to let Tottenham’s star players leave for rival Premier League clubs. But he may be forced to make an exception with Vertonghen if he’s approached with a decent offer – likely around the £20million mark – in January.
MARCO REUS
Football – Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid – UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg – Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany – 12/13 – 24/4/13Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus (L) and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane in actionMandatory Credit: Action Images / John Sibley
The last thing Manchester United need right now is another attacking signing. Louis van Gaal is already struggling to find room for Juan Mata, Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao in the same starting line-up.
But come the January window, upon the proviso that circumstances do not abruptly change, the Red Devils will find the opportunity to snap up Germany ace Marco Reus impossible to ignore.
Indeed, the Borussia Dortmund winger has been nothing short of incredible after moving to Westfalen in 2012. He helped the Black Yellows reach the Champions League final a year later and last term claimed the Bundesliga’s Player of the Year award.
In the process, Reus’ goals and assists – an incredible 16 strikes and 14 set-ups in the league last season – has seen his stock dramatically rise throughout Europe. Here’s a look at the 25 year-old in action:
Reus can adopt the roles of scorer or provider, capable of playing anywhere across the front and even at No.10. His technical qualities are underpinned by incredible pace – something the current United squad, in comparison to its many forbearers, desperately lacks.
Most appealingly of all, the German international’s contract includes a £20million release clause. That’s not set to come into effect until next summer, but unless Dortmund get their star attacker to agree new terms, it will be impossible for them to turn down large offers in January.
But Arsenal and Liverpool have been strongly linked too, and in truth, most clubs in Europe will be keen to test the waters when the transfer window reopens.
PACO ALCACER
Football – Sevilla v Valencia – UEFA Europa League Semi Final First Leg – Sanchez Pizjuan, Sevilla, Spain – 24/4/14Sevilla’s Diogo Figueiras and Paco Alcacer of Valencia in actionMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Manchester United are hardly short on front-men right now. In fact, on paper, they possess one of world football’s most fearsome strike-forces.
But with Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie suffering from long-term injury problems, and van Gaal essentially dismissing Wayne Rooney’s future as a striker last month, another goal-getter wouldn’t go amiss in the new year.
In that regard, the Red Devils should be targeting Valencia prodigy Paco Alcacer, already dubbed as ‘the bargain of Europe’ by one Spanish publication due to his £15million release clause.
Indeed, the21 year-old has been nothing short of potent over the last twelve months, as shown below:
Here’s a look at Alcacer in action:
Fernando Torres-esque dare I say, and after such strong form, Alcacer has muscled his way into Vincente del Bosque’s Spain squad, netting four times in three international appearances since his debut in August.
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The Spaniard looks like a real talent and at £15million is more than worth the gamble. Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked however, whilst reports claim Valencia are about to bump up Alcacer’s release clause to a whopping £40million:
SAMI KHEDIRA
Louis van Gaal appears to have his heart set on signing Netherlands international Kevin Strootman in January, but should the midfield enforcer not be available, Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira remains an impressive alternative.
A Champions League and World Cup winner, the 27 year-old is considered to be one of the leading midfielders in world football. Here’s a look at the Germany international in action:
Khedira isn’t quite the tough-tackling holding midfielder he’s often made out to be. Just take a look at his heatmap from Germany’s 7-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup semi-finals:
And his statistics compared to Europe’s other top defensive midfielders last season:
But he provides box-to-box energy and power, inventiveness going forward and added threat in the air. Amid the players of great technical quality Louis van Gaal amassed during the summer, Khedira’s battering ram approach could be the pefect compliment.
Furthermore, a January departure from the Bernabeu is looking increasingly likely, with the former Stuttgart star yet to extend his contract past the summer. That could see him leave Los Blancos for a pittance, but speculation thus far suggests Arsenal are his likeliest suitors:
At the start of the season, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal gave Ashley Young an opportunity to prove his worth at the club. In the first three games of the season, the 29 year old played well, but after picking up a groin injury after the Burnley game, he felt out of selection and has only played 14 minutes against West Brom since.
Young’s contract at the club doesn’t expire till the summer of 2016, but it doesn’t look like he will be offered a contract extension anytime soon. With the density of the Red Devils midfield especially on the left, Young doesn’t really have a chance of breaking back into the squad unless a lot of players become injured or suspended. He is therefore more likely to receive more playing time if he leaves the club.
If he does decide to leave, here are FIVE possible clubs he could play for next…
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Aston Villa
A move back to his previous club, Aston Villa, could be an option for Ashley Young. Villa will be looking to spend in January to bolster their squad due to their disappointing form recently. The club has only managed to score five goals this season. Bringing Young back to the club would provide another player in attack for opposing defences to consider and increase the amount of goals they score.
Sunderland
Young was also linked with a move to Sunderland over the last summer. Currently William Buckley plays most often in right midfield for the Black Cats, but he hasn’t been playing with consistency. Young could be brought in to replace him to provide more assists and opportunities for Steven Fletcher and Connor Wickham to score.
Southampton
Football – PSV Eindhoven v SL Benfica – UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg – Philips Stadion – Eindhoven, Holland – 10/11 , 14/4/11Ronald KoemanMandatory Credit: Action Images / Peter Cziborra
Southampton was also linked with Young during this past summer. Whilst now with the Saints fantastic position in the league purchasing Young may not be a necessity, he may still be brought in in order to provide competition against Shane Long, Steven Davis, and Jack Cork. This competition is needed to keep the Saints pushing towards a European finish, rather than slipping back down the table like they did last season.
Real Sociedad
A move to Real Sociedad would see Young link up with former Manchester United manager David Moyes. Whilst the Scotsman was at the Red Devils, the Englishman was used frequently, making 30 appearances in all competitions. The 29 year old may be brought in to help the Spanish club remove themselves from danger in La Liga.
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Newcastle United
Another club linked with Ashley Young’s services is Newcastle. Alan Pardew’s side has recently hit a run of good form, winning their last four games which have caused them to shoot up the table. Similar to Southampton, to keep the Magpies in this position in the table and away from the relegation zone, they need competition amongst their players for places to keep them on their toes. Young would beneficially add to their position competition, and a transfer there would bring the best out of himself, Yoan Gouffran, and Remy Cabella.
When Tony Pulis left his managerial post at Selhurst Park just 48 hours before the start of the season, Crystal Palace were always going to find it difficult to find the right replacement for a man who saved Palace from relegation the season before.
Step in Neil Warnock, a man who previously managed at Crystal Palace before being sacked in 2010. He was not the favourite to take the reins at the Selhurst Park and many thought the club were taking a backwards step in hiring a former manager. His reign at the club didn’t last very long, however.
A number of poor results meant that Warnock became the first managerial casualty of the 2014/15 season. Despite an excellent 3-1 victory against Liverpool earlier in the season, recent results have not been up to scratch and Palace now found themselves looking for another new manager to lead them away from relegation struggles.
Here are five managers that could replace Warnock…
Alan Pardew
The Newcastle United manager has experienced a variety of emotions this season. The Magpies’ start to the season was not a particularly successful one and Pardew was under a huge amount of pressure from the Newcastle faithful. However, the former Southampton manager turned his side’s fortunes around and victory against Chelsea, the only loss for the Blues this season, resulted in Newcastle rising up the table and away from danger.
The lure of managing a club that Pardew knows very well will certainly interest the 53-year-old but leaving Newcastle for a team battling relegation may be an unnecessary gamble. Pardew prompted speculation linking him with the Palace job after he refused to talk to the media following Newcastle’s victory against Everton.
If Pardew does take charge of Palace, it will represent a bit of a coup for the South London club but they will have to pay a hefty amount of compensation if they are to buy Pardew out of the last five and a half years remaining in his Newcastle contract.
Tim Sherwood
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager gained a lot of fans with his no-nonsense, bullish approach to management in what was a successful but short reign at White Hart Lane. His approach would certainly spur the Crystal Palace players into life and there is no doubt that Sherwood can get the best out of his players.
Another advantage is that Sherwood will not feel pressured to play the club’s star names. Instead, he is very much a man of principle who will choose players that are performing well in training rather than consistently playing the same team that may be struggling to achieve results. Although Sherwood does look like an attractive proposition for Palace, his lack of managerial experience may prompt the club to look elsewhere.
However, if Sherwood is appointed, it would be a popular decision amongst the Selhurst Park faithful.
Chris Hughton
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The former Newcastle manager has been out of a job since he was sacked by Norwich City in April 2014 and has rejected the prospect of returning to management in an assistant managerial role since then. Although he may not be the first choice to succeed Warnock as the next Palace manager, he is a viable option for the board as he won’t cost a lot of money to hire due to the fact that he is not working in management at the moment.
Although Hughton has been sacked from Premier League posts with Newcastle United and Norwich City, he does have a lot of top flight experience both as a manager but as a coach as well. He has proved popular amongst playing staff throughout his managerial campaign and this may benefit the players who are struggling with confidence at the moment.
Tony Popovic
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The former Selhurst Park favourite played for the club for five years between 2001 and 2006. He currently plies his trade in Australia, where he has impressed since being in charge of Australian side Western Sydney Warriors. He has recently won the Asian Champions League and is now looking to develop his managerial career further in Europe.
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Palace chairman Steve Parish is understood to be a big admirer of the 41-year-old. However, throwing Popovic in the deep end could backfire as the Australian lacks any managerial experience in the Premier League. His appointment would be a risk, contrasting to the rather unambitious appointment of Warnock earlier in the season. Many Palace fans will believe that there are better options for the club in terms of achieving Premier League survival.
Keith Millen
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He is currently undertaking his third spell as caretaker manager of Crystal Palace and has personally stated that he is ready to take the top job at Selhurst Park. Millen will be desperate to become manger of his hometown club having been in the shadows of many Crystal Palace managers who have failed to bring success to the Eagles in recent seasons.
It is understandable that Millen feels he is ready to become manager of the club he has served for so long. In his eight games as caretaker manager of Crystal Palace, he has registered two wins, two draws and four losses. However, this doesn’t reveal a lot about how Millen will plan to take the club forward and whether he can turn Palace’s season around. Again, it is a decision that could backfire and the Parish needs to make the right decision if his club are to avoid the drop.
Ask any Arsenal fan what the club’s priority should be in the summer transfer window, and the answer will likely be ‘a holding midfielder’ – to many, Arsene Wenger’s eternal blind spot in the transfer market, where make-shift options such as Mikel Arteta, Abou Diaby, Mathieu Flamini and most recently, Francis Coquelin, have been preferred to the more costly, more conventional play-breakers attainable from other clubs.
The problem eternally plaguing the Gunners however, is that they’re obliged to be more stubborn than most when adding to the midfield – particularly in deep-lying roles. The need for some physical variety in the engine room is obvious – currently, Aaron Ramsey and Diaby are the only midfielders that measure at above six foot – whilst the defensive capabilities of a tried and trusted anchorman would accommodate for the creative licence Arsenal’s more offensive midfielders have become accustomed too.
Yet, a beastly juggernaut like Marouane Fellaini, Mile Jedinak, Victor Wanyama or William Carvalho would look disastrously cumbersome in a midfield where silky skills and technically-demanding build-up play reigns supreme. At least the academy products, although lacking the more familiar characteristics of defensive mids, are well-versed in the Arsenal philosophy.
In other words, physically imposing midfield generals that don’t juxtapose Arsenal’s definitive brand of creative, expansive football – 6 foot 4 monoliths blessed with the technical quality and composure participate in Gunners’ passing game without slowing it down or conceding possession – are an exceptionally rare breed.
One might look at Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic, Manchester City’s Yaya Toure or Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, but these are amongst the best in their trade; even if Arsenal hypothetically had the money to sign them, convincing top stars to leave top clubs is a gargantuan task within itself – especially for a club that’s won just a single trophy in the last decade, and never claimed a Champions League title.
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Indeed, unless Arsene Wenger plans on rebuilding Arsenal’s philosophy from the ground up, he can only settle for the perfect candidate to anchor his midfield – someone not only blessed with an eclectic blend of defensive awareness, height, strength and quality on the ball, all at Premier League title-contending standard, but perhaps most importantly, feasibly within the north London club’s reach this summer.
One defensive midfielder that might just embody all of those requirements however, is Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez – a bullish, brazen, 6 foot 3 battering ram, also capable of playing at centre-back, boasting all the technical mastery one would expect from a regular Spain international plying his domestic trade under tiki-taka specialist Pep Guardiola.
The 26 year-old is no Xavi or Pirlo, but for a player of his imposing frame and bellicose nature, a pass completion rate of 89% over the last two campaigns, jumping up to 93% in the Champions League, with a forward pass bias of 80%, is certainly nothing to be sniffed at, especially when combined with averages of two tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 3.4 successful aerial duels per match.
Likewise, although holding position remains Martinez’ predominant job, it’s by no means his only mode of play; during his time at Athletic Bilbao and inaugural season with Bayern, the Spaniard made bullish runs forward one his trademarks, regularly fighting, wrestling and contesting his way up field – in a not too dissimilar fashion to Chelsea’s Diego Costa – to produce a healthy supply of goals; 25 in 240 for the Basque outfit, three in 43 during his first campaign at the Allianz Arena.
That diverse dynamism could serve Arsenal equally well in defence and attack, but perhaps most importantly of all, Martinez represents the size and calibre of player capable of competing effectively with Chelsea’s Matic and City’s Toure. In my opinion, this has been the ultimate difference between Arsenal and the Premier League’s table-toppers over the last few season – the glass ceiling that perpetually limits positive results against the title contenders.
You might be wondering why Bayern Munich would be prepared to part with such a player – as I’ve billed him, a domineering battler of brawn and skill, adept enough aerially and defensively to even play at centre-back – and officially, they aren’t.
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But Martinez has never quite captured Guardiola’s imagination in the same way as predecessor Jupp Heynckes, making nine appearances less than the campaign prior under the former Barcelona boss in 2013/14. He’s yet to feature this season due to a long-term injury, but that convinced Guardiolo to sign both Xabi Alonso and Medhi Benatia towards the end of the summer window, two coveted names Martinez will struggle to reclaim his place in the starting Xi from. From playing a pivotal role in the Bavarians’ 2013 Champions League title campaign, he’s now being pushed to the peripheries of the squad.
In my opinion, that gives Arsenal a way in – albeit, an exceptionally expensive one, having originally cost Bayern an eye-watering €40million. Yet, for what Arsenal desperately require in their midfield, the unique demands aforementioned, and the positive effect Martinez could potentially have on them, breeding a new sense of balance into an otherwise attacking-centric starting XI, any price can quickly become a justifiable one if it paves the way for titles and silverware.
Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin, Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira or Sporting Lisbon’s Cavalho are perhaps cheaper options, but the Bayern Munich star remains the real McCoy. Add him to Arsenal’s starting XI, and suddenly they’re a very different, far more formidable proposition.
Since joining United in January 2014 for what at the time was a club record fee hitting a cool £37.1 million, Juan Mata has failed to find a permanent place in the struggling squad. Some have called for him to be moved on or even used as a super sub but in my opinion, Mata should be dropping United – not the other way around.
When Mata joined in the winter transfer window of 2014, United lucked out. They were going through a tricky season under then manager David Moyes and were in desperate need of a player with his attributes. Enter twice Chelsea player of the year and World Cup winner Juan Mata. Praised for his ability to create space and opportunities for his forwards, Mata was a prized asset for any team.
Unless of course that team is managed by the Special One, Jose Mourinho. Obsessed with changing the forward thinking player into one that was willing to expel his energy on tracking back, Mata found himself more often sidelined than not.
Surely a player who had produced so many assists, was cherished by supporters and was part of Chelsea’s first ever Champions League winning squad deserved better than just a space on the bench. At Chelsea or Manchester United.
In his two happy years at Chelsea, Mata was their driving force creating 25 assists and 197 chances. But under Mourinho, Moyes and now current manager Louis van Gaal in almost the same time frame, Mata’s stat’s have dropped considerably to only nine assists with 92 chances created.
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So who is to blame? I don’t believe Mata is at fault. He rarely makes a starting eleven which is important to help a player not only get used to the team tactics but also to keep them match ready. Under Moyes, Mata was given more opportunities which in turn led to him scoring six league goals in his final six matches of last season proving that a run of games is everything to a player.
But unfortunately van Gaal refuses to allow the player to play in his traditional number 10 role, opting instead to use Wayne Rooney as the playmaker and others as out-and-out strikers. And while United sit in fourth with ten games to go, their performances have been highly unconvincing, leading to top players like Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao bearing the brunt of supporters’ criticisms.
I do hope United can find a way to properly integrate Juan Mata into their regular starting eleven as when he is at his best, he truly can be the difference between winning the Premier League and not even making top four. Such is the player’s vision and high level of football intelligence but he has to have the support of his manager.
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Fortunately, if worst comes to worst, Mata will always be able to find himself a club willing to give him a chance. He has too much experience, won too many trophies and let’s be honest, he is better than many players that play his position.
I just hope United realise his value before it is too late.
Arsenal’s current run of eight consecutive wins in the Premier League has lifted them in to second and with an outside chance of pipping Chelsea to the title.
That probably won’t happen, but the slight fears that they might just miss out on a top four spot have been put to bed with a late surge in form that could see them finish the season as runners-up.
But if Arsene Wenger’s side are to mount a serious challenge for their first league title since 2004, they’re going to need to invest wisely in the summer transfer window.
Summer signing Alexis Sanchez has been on fire in his debut seasons at the Emirates, while Mesut Ozil’s flashes of brilliance suggest he has so much more to offer in an Arsenal side flirting with domestic success after over a decade of suffering in the shadows of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Wenger’s reluctance to spend big money looks to be in the past if Arsenal’s last few transfer windows are anything to go by, so it’s fair to say the Gunners faithful are expecting more big name arrivals ahead of next season.
Arsenal have been linked with 36 players already, so we asked Arsenal fans to vote thumbs up or thumbs down on each and every one of them.
305 Gooners had their say and, now voting has officially closed, we’re bringing you the five players they want Arsene Wenger to splash out on this summer without fail.
So, here goes…
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5. Petr Cech
The 32-year-old Czech shot-stopper has been relegated to the Chelsea subs bench since Thibaut Courtois returned from his loan spell with Atletico Madrid in the summer.
Given that Cech is still one of the world’s best goalkeepers, it’s no surprise he’s considering a move away from the club where has made over 330 Premier League appearances in an attempt to finish his career on a high.
Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law revealed on Sunday Supplement recently that Chelsea will allow Cech to pick the club he’d like to join in the summer, instead of prevent him from joining a top four rival.
And that’s great news for Arsenal, who are lining up a move for the ‘keeper, according to the Metro.
And with Wojciech Szczesny’s Arsenal career in doubt, Wenger probably sees Cech as an idea first choice keeper for the next couple of years, though that would mean David Ospina being unfairly dropped back to the bench.
Still, Arsenal fans appear to be in agreement, with 116 voting in favour of a move for the Blues keeper.
4. Paulo Dybala
The 21-year-old Argentine has burst on to the scene this season with some phenomenal performances for Palermo over in Italy.
The wonderkid has netted 13 goals in 29 league appearances for Rosanero so far this season, which has led to some of Europe’s elite clubs showing a serious interest in his signature.
Arsenal are one of those sides and, if MirrorFootball are to be believed, they’ll be making a move for him in the next week or so, with a £29million price tag placed on the striker’s head by club President Mauro Zamparini.
Danny Welbeck’s injury record – which has subsequently hindered his goal scoring record – this season will have worried Wenger, so it’s no surprise he’s thinking of bringing in another goalscorer this summer.
Arsenal fans feel the same, obviously, and would love to see Dybala swap pink for red before the start of next season. Surprisingly, 57 Gunners fans don’t want him at the Emirates next term, but it’s ok because 110 do.
3. Alexandre Lacazette
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Staying on the subject of strikers, there’s a certain Frenchman catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs at the moment.
Banging in 24 league goals in a season is always going to get you noticed, no matter what league you’re playing in, which is why 21-year-old Alexandre Lacazette is being linked with the world and his wife.
The youngster has broken on to the scene with Lyon this season and Arsenal appear to be interesting in bringing his goal scoring exploits to the Emirates Stadium as Wenger goes in search of a Premier League title.
The fans want him, too, with 153 Gooners voting him a thumbs up in our recent poll.
The striker revealed last summer that he turned down advances from Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle in order to go head-to-head with Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Ligue 1’s Golden Boot.
He’s certainly gone and done that, and he’s also increased his value in the process.
It appears to be a straight arm wrestle between Arsenal and Liverpool for his signature this summer. Who will get him?
2. Raphael Varane
Despite signing Brazilian Gabriel Paulista in January, Arsenal fans are still crying out for another centre-half this summer.
Laurent Koscielny is struggling to keep himself fit and Per Mertesacker is admittedly no longer the spring chicken he perhaps used to be.
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So Arsene Wenger is probably right to be looking around Europe for a decent centre-back to come in partner Gabriel in the heart of defence next season.
Real Madrid’s Varane is being touted as the ideal man to do just that, but Arsenal face stiff competition from Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho making it no secret that he is a big fan of the 21-year-old defender.
According to the Metro, Real Madrid have agreed to allow Varane to leave the Bernabeu for as little as £20million this summer, which is probably why Arsenal fans are so eager for Wenger to tempt the France international to north London.
Given his age, his potential and current price tag, it’s no surprise 168 Gunners fans voted for Varane, while just 22 aren’t too keen.
1. Morgan Schneiderlin
Anyone else getting sick and tired of Arsenal’s reported persistent interest link with Morgan Schneiderlin? No? Just me, then.
Anyway, it’s certainly no secret that Arsenal have been crying out for a decent defensive midfielder ever since they sold Alex Song to Barcelona in 2012.
The emergence of Francis Coquelin has perhaps dispelled the rumours linking Arsenal with the Southampton’s Schneiderlin in recent months, but that doesn’t mean Arsenal fans no longer want him.
The Saints midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates since last summer, and even publically announced his anger as the St. Mary’s outfit told him he wasn’t allowed to leave the club while they went about flogging half of their squad to Liverpool.
Since then he’s proven to be an important player in Ronald Koeman’s Southampton revolution this season as they surprise everyone by challenging for a top four finish, or at least a spot in next season’s Europe League.
So that’s why 194 fans voted for the France international, while the 19 fans who voted thumbs down are probably content with Coquelin and another challenge for a top four finish.
Benik Afobe has hit out at Arsenal by claiming that he feels he could have made it at the Emirates Stadium and that he’s feeling “unstoppable” now he’s at Wolves.
The 22-year-old striker has notched a staggering 31 goals this term during a loan spell with MK Dons (19) and in his time at the Molineux (12) – he sealed a permanent move to the Midlands over the winter.
Afobe’s tally puts him one ahead of Spurs sensation Harry Kane, while suggesting that he does indeed have the talent many suggested he possessed while with the Gunners.
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Although he’s had to drop down the Football League ladder to find game time and justify his reputation, the pacey forward believes that he could have succeeded at Arsenal if he was given the chances he needed:
“I had self-belief [at Arsenal] but when you play week in, week out you’re going to get more confidence – it’s a different type of confidence – it’s one to know you’re unstoppable,” he is quoted by Goal.
“It doesn’t matter what league I’m playing in I’m going to score. It’s the mentality you’ve got to change to be a top goalscorer and I’ve realised that.
“All the top goalscorers who score week in, week out like [Lionel] Messi and [Sergio] Aguero, they believe they are going to score before they’ve had a chance and that’s the only difference between a top goalscorer and an average striker.
“I wanted 30 goals. I got to 30 and now I want to keep scoring, I want to get to 35. People have asked ‘what’s my favourite goal?’ I always say ‘the next one’.”
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Afobe made only a handful of outings for Arsenal, spending much of his north London career out on loan with the likes of Huddersfield, Reading, Bolton, Sheffield Wednesday and MK Dons.
It gets said every year but the coming summer window feels like a particularly important one for Arsenal. After ending the season on a run of 13 wins from their final 18 league fixtures, many expect them to launch their most viable title charge for almost a decade next year – providing they add a few more key components via the transfer market.
The majority of speculation has centred around a new goalkeeper and a powerful central midfielder, with Petr Cech and Morgan Schneiderlin emerging as the priority targets respectively, but in my opinion, finding something more than just Olivier Giroud up top is equally pivotal for Arsenal this summer if they intend to take next year’s Premier League crown. Here’s why.
From a tactical perspective, the France international is perfect for Arsenal. The height and power of his 6 foot 4 frame represents the physicality the Gunners desperately lack throughout the spine of their starting Xi and has been instrumental in bringing Arsenal’s supremely talented midfield into the game – especially against high quality opponents – over the last few seasons. Likewise, his deft flick-ons and intricate one-twos are a key part of Arsenal’s build-up play; one ponders how the north Londoners would fare with a less technically adept, less tiki-taka friendly striker leading their line.
Yet, the fundamental requirement of any centre-forward – scoring goals regularly – is where Giroud leaves a lot to be desired.
41 goals in 97 appearances is by no means a poor return by Premier League standards, almost one-in-two spread fairly evenly across his three campaigns, but an interesting and important trend has emerged over the last few seasons in the English top flight.
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Since 2009, not one club has lifted the Premier League title without their top goalscorer netting twenty times or more. Even Diego Costa, despite missing twelve games through injury, managed to hit the 20 mark this season as Chelsea claimed the crown. Giroud, on the other hand, has never scored more than 16 during a single Premier League campaign – and that was during his busiest to date, where the Frenchman made 36 appearances.
Of course, there will be anomalies to this rule. Arsenal had 15 different goal scorers in the Premier League this season, ranging from top scorer Alexis Sanchez to midfield enforcer Mathieu Flamini, the most of any club in the division and only five shy of Manchester United’s record-breaking 20 during the 2012/13 campaign. So in theory, Giroud’s goals can be made up elsewhere in the team as the Gunners hone in on next term’s title.
But it was evident enough during Arsenal’s recent barren run, which saw them go three games and 56 shots without a goal; the 28 year-old lacks the predatory anticipation of a natural poacher and the ability to create his own scoring opportunities from nothing, in the same manner as Chelsea’s Diego Costa or Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero. He lacks that spark of ingenuity, that level of passion and drive.
Whilst the former is essentially a one-man counter-attack and the latter has the bizarre knack of bullishly willing the ball into the net, shoulder-barging, elbowing, tricking and tackling his way through defences singlehanded, Giroud requires consistent service and usually a few decent, well-worked chances to convert. In a nutshell, the 28 year-old too dependent upon the performances of those around him to ever be a genuine match-winner.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the Frenchman needs replacing outright, flogged for loose change this summer as the Gunners find a more prolific successor. But if not an upgrade, then variety is clearly required. Danny Welbeck offers something a little different and Arsene Wenger has talked up Theo Walcott as a centre-forward in recent weeks, but in my opinion both lack the consistency to man the line for extended periods – as the former proved earlier this year during Giroud’s absence through injury.
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Arsenal need a strike-force. A proper one, that isn’t simply Giroud and two converted wingers. Take a look at the embarrassment of riches at Manchester City or Manchester United’s trio of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez during Sir Alex Ferguson’s ultimate season. As aforementioned, what the Gunners lack most is a natural poacher who can convert opportunities of his own incarnation. Someone like Porto’s Jackson Martinez or Sevilla’s Carlos Bacca, speedy, powerful and instinctive strikers who always threaten the space behind opposition defences, would be ideal.
But with other positions taking priority and Wenger’s faith in Giroud seemingly unconditional – not to mention the likes of Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell lurking in the background – the prevailing concern is that the issue of an improved strike-force will be put on the backburner for another season. Although a goalkeeper and a physical midfielder are both important additions, my ultimate question is this; does Giroud score enough to win Arsenal a title? Based on his first three seasons with the Gunners, no.
Sergio Ramos is the latest blockbuster defender being linked with improving the shaky Manchester United defence this summer, and even though Louis van Gaal marched the wounded red side of Manchester back into the Champions League, it’s clear that new defensive recruits are the Dutchman’s priority.
World Cup winner Mats Hummels and Valencia hard man Nicolas Otamendi are other exciting names to have been made it onto United’s radar, however, little has been made of the two contract extensions given to their current crop of centre halves – England internationals Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. Often criticised and (Jones particularly) the subject of many a meme, Van Gaal has seen fit to extend their spells at Old Trafford.
Smalling is a man plucked from relative obscurity. The former Fulham defender cut his teeth with non-league outfit Maidstone before Sir Alex Ferguson fought off competition from Arsenal to sign the defender. Despite making almost 150 appearances for the club, he’s often been viewed as clumsy and error prone. Following the derby day defeat to Manchester City back in November, Smalling was branded “stupid” by van Gaal. His rash challenges in the defeat has summed up his United career until that date up perfectly – frustrating and seemingly out of his depth.
As the season progressed and Man United improved, so did Smalling. The hesitant almost languid looking defender we had seen dismissed at the Etihad had matured into arguably Manchester United’s best centre-back. His marshalling of Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett against Arsenal’s feather footed technicians gave us a glimpse into what Smalling could grow to be. Goals against Burnley and Manchester City (redemption?) proved he could also be a viable asset at the other end of the pitch.
Smalling seems to have proved his worth ahead of, arguably, the Red Devils’ most important season to date. Back in the big time, it is imperative Smalling continues his development against the best strikers in Europe.
Who knows, could Chris Smalling be the defensive rock England build their assault on EURO 2016 around?
Jones, on the other hand, is perhaps tainted by Sir Alex’s famous “he could be our best ever player” gaffe. Jones’ career simply hasn’t followed the upward trajectory mapped out for him by the famous old Scot. The gurning, galloping enforcer has been shifted around the backline for both club and country, even making appearances in midfield. Whatever position he’s played in, it is hard to truly argue he has done much to justify his £17m transfer fee.
Still, Jones is a Premier League winner and a fully-fledged England international. It would seem silly of United to let him go right now, but it appears unless he improves in a Chris Smalling type fashion (and how many Utd fans ever thought they would hear those words?), this will be his last contract at the club.
Even Van Gaal’s comments upon the renewal seemed to hint at a last chance saloon. Describing the former Blackburn man as a “relatively young defender”, it seems the window of opportunity for Jones is closing. Despite signing the new deal, the ‘relatively’ young defender must age quickly as United press on, or he’ll be left behind like some sort footballing Peter Pan. Jones cannot be young forever, as much as we would all like to be, and his improvement must be tangible.
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The cynic would say his new deal is much more of a contingency plan than a reward. Should he be allowed to leave and indeed fulfil the potential Sir Alex saw in him somewhere else, United would again look like fools. If, however, we do not see a marked improvement from Jones, he may not even finish his recently signed contract at the club.
This tale of two centre halves has the potential to be a rousing success for both club and country. Though not the finished article, Smalling has shown it is possible to flourish at a big club amid criticism. It’s time for Jones to follow, or face being left behind as Manchester United enter a new era.