How many players (and what positions) do Arsenal need to sign in the summer?

[Fist of Lehmann]

Forward is the only real glaring hole in the squad. It could be that after playing the whole season RvP is starting to look slightly jaded, just like Worcestershire did at this point last year.

If YFB and Arshavin leave, LPod will count as a twofer (Wenger will love that).

We may have other holes, but nowhere near as glaring. Rosicky's recent form has made me realise that we haven't really had a proper Flaminiesque streetfighting ball winner for a while (Wheelchair does try to get stuck in). We have been linked to M'Vila again, but of course - lazy journo bs, pinch of salt and so on.

I can understand the desire for a creative midfielder, but there is creativity in the squad, and the lesson of Fabregas ought to teach us the value of spreading the load more evenly.

[Syn]

^

That reminds me - I really don't think we made enough use of Benayoun. Had a cracking game against Tottenham and then hasn't been on the pitch since. And didn't play much before that. I'd definitely play him over Gervinho right now, but not over Oxlade.

[GP]

^

That reminds me - I really don't think we made enough use of Benayoun.

He needs Saturdays off innit?

[Syn]

That's true enough.

[IBK]

Forward is the only real glaring hole in the squad. It could be that after playing the whole season RvP is starting to look slightly jaded, just like Worcestershire did at this point last year.

If YFB and Arshavin leave, LPod will count as a twofer (Wenger will love that).

We may have other holes, but nowhere near as glaring. Rosicky's recent form has made me realise that we haven't really had a proper Flaminiesque streetfighting ball winner for a while (Wheelchair does try to get stuck in). We have been linked to M'Vila again, but of course - lazy journo bs, pinch of salt and so on.

I can understand the desire for a creative midfielder, but there is creativity in the squad, and the lesson of Fabregas ought to teach us the value of spreading the load more evenly.

Good point.

We need a striker and a DM. In the cold light of day Bendtner on loan was a mistake. I see no chance for Chamakh to turn things around, and Park was this seasons Amoaury Bishoff (Wenger doesn't seem to be able to help himself...). We could even do with 2 strikers, but we won't get them, and Podolski would be good enough for me.

A replacement for Song if he's injured/tired is the other glaring hole.

We could do with an understudy for Sczezny too.

[Fist of Lehmann]

^

That reminds me - I really don't think we made enough use of Benayoun. Had a cracking game against Tottenham and then hasn't been on the pitch since. And didn't play much before that. I'd definitely play him over Gervinho right now, but not over Oxlade.

Agree. The only thing I would say against that is that Gervinho keeps the width, while YFB keeps it narrow. Tactically it worked against Totts a) because they played 4-4-2 and ii) Krancjar didn't keep the width (and is rubbish).

On the other hand, Wenger seems more than willing to play Rosicky or Ramsey out wide over Benyanoun.

[fakeyank]

Everyone wants a striker but where is he going to play? Podolski is coming but is he really effective on the left/right? This is assuming RVP is not sold to the highest bidder.. I believe we need to change our system to 4-4-2 to get the best out of current players. Assuming we play 4-3-3, we need a striker as back up to RVP and two quick wingers as Gerv and Walcott are both proving hit and miss (for me).. though Walcott looks lesser and lesser like a headless chicken these days.

As for other areas, definitely need a RB cover for Sagna.. our back up is a 19 year old fan, not yet Arsenal level.

I'd also want to see a replacement or back up for Song. We have Coq and Frimpong as back up.. while a lot of people rate them, I dont think they have the ability of Song. IMO, I'd get Flamini back to fill up that position.

[GP]

4-4-2 sucks cock. No one plays that any more.

[Cripps_orig]

Everyone wants a striker but where is he going to play? Podolski is coming but is he really effective on the left/right? This is assuming RVP is not sold to the highest bidder.. I believe we need to change our system to 4-4-2 to get the best out of current players. Assuming we play 4-3-3, we need a striker as back up to RVP and two quick wingers as Gerv and Walcott are both proving hit and miss (for me).. though Walcott looks lesser and lesser like a headless chicken these days.

As for other areas, definitely need a RB cover for Sagna.. our back up is a 19 year old fan, not yet Arsenal level.

I'd also want to see a replacement or back up for Song. We have Coq and Frimpong as back up.. while a lot of people rate them, I dont think they have the ability of Song. IMO, I'd get Flamini back to fill up that position.

This

Go back to 4-4-2

Man Utd play it and they are top. Its what made us the best team in England all those years ago.

[IBK]

Everyone wants a striker but where is he going to play? Podolski is coming but is he really effective on the left/right? This is assuming RVP is not sold to the highest bidder.. I believe we need to change our system to 4-4-2 to get the best out of current players. Assuming we play 4-3-3, we need a striker as back up to RVP and two quick wingers as Gerv and Walcott are both proving hit and miss (for me).. though Walcott looks lesser and lesser like a headless chicken these days.

As for other areas, definitely need a RB cover for Sagna.. our back up is a 19 year old fan, not yet Arsenal level.

I'd also want to see a replacement or back up for Song. We have Coq and Frimpong as back up.. while a lot of people rate them, I dont think they have the ability of Song. IMO, I'd get Flamini back to fill up that position.

I think you answered your own question. Plus it gives us a 2 up front option if we're chasing a game. Like I say, fack knows why we got rid of Bendy, in hindsight.