Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsene Wenger Smites New Striker, Midfielder Rumors

By Josh Sippie

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There are few sources more credible than Arsene Wenger. When he speaks, the footballing world listens. Sometimes he may try to be a tricky little bugger and tap dance around an answer, but his word is law and these were his most recent words (as he told Arsenal.com):

"“The best way to strengthen other areas of the team is to get the players who did not play a lot last year and keep them fit. Walcott basically did not play until the end of the season, Wilshere has not played many games. Those two were very convincing at the end of the season so I hope that this season we can benefit from their participation and competitiveness.”"

Translation? Arsenal do not need another striker or another midfielder, as it is far more effective to let Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere compete for those two spots on the team.

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There has been a ton of buzz surrounding Karim Benzema, Gonazlo Higuain and Edinson Cavani over the past year, but the fact of the matter is that Arsene Wenger rarely goes full-bore to bust open his bank vault and dump vats of cash over pricey, flashy signings. Ozil and Alexis could be seen as exceptions, but compared to how much other title-contenders spend, they are simply that – exceptions.

Arsenal’s roster is incredibly stocked as is. Even in goal they have a surplus of skill and that competition will drive the team forward. Every other position on the pitch is just as well-stocked, whether you like the stock or not.

At striker, Olivier Giroud has long appeared the only option, but behind him you have the bursting potential of Danny Welbeck, the emerging Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez can hold it down as well. While I would by no means mind seeing Karim Benzema in Arsenal red next season, I will be the first to admit that we do not exactly need him, he would just be a nice little addition.

The same is true of the midfield, with the exception perhaps of defensive midfield. While Francis Coquelin stands alone in terms of true-blooded defensive midfielders, Arsenal still have Jack Wilshere to challenge him for the spot, as he has excelled in such a role for the English National team.

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Although there is still a fair batch of question marks surrounding our holding midfield, as not even Arsene Wenger’s comments targeted the position directly. Francis Coquelin does have very little competition from anyone within the team as is.

But as far as forward lying midfielders, Arda Turan, Angel Di Maria and Mario Gotze were all linked to Arsenal but when you get down to it, as Wenger said, why would we want them when we have enough guys internally to meet our needs? Our attacking midfield can be manned by Alexis, Ozil, the Ox, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Serge Gnabry and I am probably forgetting a few.

While Wenger’s statements are not slamming the idea of adding more talent, and he did go on to add: “If we can still add some quality, we will do it,” the fact remains that Arsenal do not need anything. Some added depth would be nice, and that is the quality that Wenger is speaking of but in terms of crucial, must-have signings, Arsenal have none.

Next: 5 Players Primed for breakout Years

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