Arsenal: Thomas Lemar should not be the end of transfer business

With Kolasinac and Lacazette locked up and Lemar seemingly nearing a move. Arsenal could complete their transfer business early this summer, but does the club require another signing.

The transfer window is always a period of lots of uncertainty. Will a new signing join and which players will be shipped out? This summer has been no different for Arsenal. There has been so much speculation about player contracts dwindling down and possible new arrivals.

With such a poor showing in the league last season, many fans expect a squad overhaul but this was never going to be the case. Arsenal, despite last season’s failure, have a talented squad with many good players. They only usually need a few astute additions to add to a strong core.

This summer, Sead Kolasinac was sealed early. A signing that could solve the left back problem for the next decade. He may not have commanded a big fee (though it would have been north of £30m had he not been a free signing). But the big Bosnian looks a good addition.

The marquee signing was then sealed next. The arrival of Alexandre Lacazette on a club record deal was very significant. Finally Arsenal had signed that big striker that the club and it’s fans had yearned for so long.

It seems a winger is next on Wenger’s list. Thomas Lemar of Monaco is seemingly first choice but should that deal fail, Riyad Mahrez also looks a possibility. Whether Alexis Sanchez leaves or not, a signing is required in this area.

If Wenger could seal this winger deal in the next few weeks, then we would approach the new season with a strong squad and maybe convince contract rebels Alexis, Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay. But when Wenger signs a winger, should that be the end of our summer business?

It is difficult to decipher a club’s transfer “needs”. You could argue that Arsenal need an upgrade in all 11 positions if they want to reach Real Madrid’s level next season. But that is just not realistic. Let’s try to look at areas across the side that may or may not need realistic strengthening or not.

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The goalkeeping situation is odd. Cech isn’t a young man and Ospina and Szczesny have unclear futures. Wenger has earmarked Martinez as a possible successor but I’m not convinced. Yet for next season it is not a pressing need.

In defence, whether we play four or three at the back, we (for once) look well stocked in this area. With Chambers returning, we have more than six quality centre backs (Wenger may only sign a new one when Per retires next summer). And at wing/full back we have two quality options on each side even if Gibbs departs.

So far, no additions needed. Yet in midfield it gets interesting. Numbers wise, central midfield may look strong. But with Cazorla out for so long and his role in the side so crucial, a replacement may need to be sought out. Fornals from Malaga and Seri from Nice have been quoted but real interest has been lacking.

This is where I believe Arsenal could turn a good transfer window into a great one. Kolasinac, Lacazette, Lemar and a new CM coupled with Sanchez staying would be heavenly and give the club real title credentials.

Next: 3 Reasons Thomas Lemar Transfer Has To Happen

With two big signings sorted, dealings this summer may seem near completion. But I challenge the club to complete 2-3 more summer needs. One: sign a winger (be it Lemar or Mahrez). Two: nail down contract rebels to new deals. And three, if possible, sign a central midfielder as a Cazorla replacement. Then I would be one happy Gooner!

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