Arsenal: Neither Timo Werner nor Nabil Fekir the solution

Arsenal are being linked with moves for both Timo Werner and Nabil Fekir. Neither are the solution to the Gunners’ problems, however. In fact, they don’t even come close.

New-found big spenders Arsenal are being linked to a myriad of players in the upcoming summer transfer window. I know, the January window only just ended. It’s ridiculous that this is even happening. But that is the modern world that we live in, and I believe that the rumours deserve comment.

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The two names that most recently have been linked heavily with a North London move are Lyon attacker Nabil Fekir and RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner. Given their respective talents, productivity, age and style, it is easy to see why.

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Both are ‘Arsene Wenger players’, if that is even a thing. Attacking, skilful on the ball, sharp in their movement and creative in their intentions, they would certainly suit the principles that Arsenal are driven with. They also have the pedigree. Werner scored 21 league goals for Leipzig last year, and is currently on 10 Bundesliga goals in 19 starts this season, while Fekir has been in phenomenal form this year with 16 goals and six assists in just 22 Ligue 1 appearances, recovering from a substantial knee injury to return to his top form.

But they are not really the solution to Arsenal’s problems. Although, from a pure numbers standpoint, the Gunners have not scored as many goals as in past seasons — Wenger himself highlighted the lack of goals as a reason for his side’s somewhat disparaging away form this year –, their shortcomings do not lie in the advanced areas of the pitch.

There are far more damaging weaknesses that this team exhibits. The lack of a sturdy, commanding, authoritative centre-half. The need for a Petr Cech replacement between the sticks. The failure to address the defensive midfield position with a physical, mobile, controlling, screening individual.

These are all faults that Wenger and the club have failed, time and time again, to solve. It may be that they do not see them as issues. It may be that they do not feel the need to invest in a solution. It may be that they have put their trust in the wrong players, systems and directions.

Whatever the case, these are problems that have undermined the progress of this club for far too many years. They are also problems that neither Fekir nor Werner will solve. Does that mean that they are misguided signings who are not worth pursuing? Absolutely not. They bring a rare quality that should be pursued whenever the opportunity arises. But they cannot be the priority. They must be supplementary to other recruitments in more needy positions and roles.

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Whether I have any confidence in Wenger and Arsenal being able to wise up and actually invest their money astutely or not, I am not so sure. They need to, and it seems obvious. But it has been obvious before, and yet, here we are.