Arsenal find themselves in perhaps their best chance to win the Premier League for the first time in over a decade. Whether that’s down to the incompetence of their rivals, or the excellence of Mesut Ozil and company, is not quite clear.
What is abundantly clear, however, is the fact manager Arsene Wenger is well in with a shout of finally delivering a fourth league title.
Though the situation is not directly comparable to that of the 2013-14 season, Wenger has found himself in this situation before. The Gunners were big players in the title race two years ago and to supplement their assault, the Frenchman signed Kim Kallstrom.
Right, okay, Let’s not make that mistake again, eh Arsene?
Still, some additions this winter can surely help round out the squad in North London and strengthen their chances of pipping Leicester Manchester City to the crown when May rolls around. The £7m signing of Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny is set to go through once the Egyptian international has his work permit approved, but there is still room for more new faces.
The injury crisis is starting to let up and the January market is not renowned for big money additions. So it’s unlikely Wenger will splurge £50m odd on a big striker, but he has hinted he could still be active in the market.
Can Arsenal really win the league? Well, signing any of these FIVE will certainly help…
JAVIER HERNANDEZ
Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has, rather ironically, taken the Bundesliga by storm after being shipped out of Old Trafford by Louis van Gaal. The Mexican poacher has notched 22 goals across all competitions this term and has established himself as one of the most feared marksmen in Europe, rather than the Super-Sub he was viewed at in Manchester.
While the likes of Edinson Cavani and Gonzalo Higuain are perhaps bigger names, the 27-year old would be an ideal alternative to Olivier Giroud. The French forward is either lauded or lambasted at the Emirates, seemingly either on the verge of a purple patch or a series of hopeless performances in equal measure.
Theo Walcott has been utilised as a centre-forward to good effect, though he is nowhere near as prolific as the Mexican international.
So, ‘Chicharito’ as he’s commonly known would be an astute addition. His electric movement would be a fantastic fit with the rhythm the likes of Ozil bounce to in attacking midfield.
He’ proven in the Premier League, which always helps.
RIYAD MAHREZ
While it would take a huge offer to tempt Riyad Mahrez away from the Hollywood esque Leicester City story, Wenger would be wise to do so. He’s emerged as one of the best players on the continent this term, though has arguably sometimes been overshadowed by the feel-good Jamie Vardy story.
The thought of lining the Algerian up alongside Ozil and Alexis Sanchez is truly mouth-watering. He twists and turns defenders while tantalising fans and neutrals alike. The fluidity of the Gunners frontline would suit him down to a tee, drifting inside and out while creating space for perhaps the more incisive passers.
Again, it would take a rather large fee to tempt him away from the King Power Stadium, but the quality he brings would be almost unmeasurable should they win the league.
Certainly better than Joel Campbell.
LARS BENDER
The addition of Elneny should not mean Wenger is done in shaping his defensive midfield options, though it may seem like it.
Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are nearing the end of their tenure at the Emirates and doubts remain over their ability to perform at the top level. Plans to rebuild such a crucial area of the team must be underway now if the Gunners hope to keep challenging for top honours.
Lars Bender has been linked with a move to North London for what seems like years, though a deal has never materialised. Still, the German international would bolster the ranks in defensive midfield, an area that has constantly dogged the Gunners over recent years.
The aforementioned Elneny operates in a similar position, though the 23-year is largely an unknown quantity. Francis Coquelin is obviously first-choice as the anchor man in the side, but the absence of an adequate replacement was painfully clear once the French terrier fell foul to an injury.
While Bender may not be as mobile as Coquelin, the Germany international is perhaps more comfortable in possession and a more confident distributor of the ball.
ADRIEN RABIOT
In Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky, Wenger boasts a plethora of ball playing midfielders, though all three have their injury problems. We’ve head an awful lot about Adrien Rabiot over recent seasons, without ever really seeing that much of the 20-year old.
Well, the Frenchman is excellent on the ball and strong in the tackle. He’s athletic, tenacious and competitive in the engine room, while retaining an excellent passing range. Think Coquelin, but with a tendency to provide eye of the needle passes after reclaiming possession.
In fact, he’s probably more comparable to Jack Wilshere, and that’s never a bad thing. Perhaps he doesn’t surge on as much as the England star, but he has a knack of dribbling forward to relieve pressure once he wins the ball.
SOFIANE BOUFAL
Arsenal are one of many clubs linked with Lille sensation Sofiane Boufal, who has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in European football. The 22-year old attacker has been in sensational form for the Ligue 1 outfit, drawing comparisons to Eden Hazard. When he was good, obviously.
The youngster has seen a meteoric rise since his move from Angers, performing at extremely high levels despite being six months into his Ligue 1 career. Like the previously mentioned Mahrez, he’s a fantastic dribbler of the ball and has created almost 50 chances this term.
Perhaps a cheaper alternative to the Leicester man, the youngster provides similar qualities. Able to drift inside to wreak havoc, he can add an extra dimension to the sharp passing elsewhere in the Gunners midfield. Though he’s not yet the finished article, the Frenchman has a 70% shooting accuracy, adding the prospect of more goals in midfield.