Arsenal: Leon Goretzka far from just the solution

Arsenal were awarded a boost in their hopes of signing Leon Goretzka as his agent rejected rumours linking him with a move for Bayern Munich. But even if they were able to sign the Schalke midfielder, he would be far from the solution they need.

Arsenal have many problems.

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Even ignoring their deficiencies off the pitch, which are significant and stem from a culture of mediocrity established by the board, Arsene Wenger, and Ivan Gazidis, there are detriments with this team that are great in number and influence.

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There is a lack of attacking pace in wide areas; there is a lack of size and strength throughout the side, which is especially damaging at set plays; there is a need for a greater structure and stability in the defence; there is a lack of protection from the midfield, which only exposes an already vulnerable defence; there is a lack of control and creativity in possession when certain players are absent. There are far too many issues for one player to magically cure. It is not a one-player, one-tool, one-change fix.

The reason why I discuss the great many issues of the Gunners is all in relation to Leon Goretzka. The Schalke midfielder was reported to have agreed to a deal with Bayern Munich just a few days ago. But in the aftermath, his agent has since rejected such reports, stating that his client has not yet decided where he will play and once the decision has been made, his current club will be the ones to find out first.

That has seen more rumours surface claiming that Arsenal could yet sign Goretzka, either in the January transfer window or at the end of the season on a free when his contract expires.

But while Goretzka would be an excellent addition and one that Wenger would be extremely wise to pursue, he is not the solution to all of the problems with this team. Not even close. That is no slight on Goretzka and his respective abilities. It is more a statement of the deep-rooted, underlying issues at the club.

Certainly, Goretzka would be a very good start to the changes that need to happen. But Wenger, and others at the club, cannot even begin to try and sell themselves as fixing their problems with just one signing. There is much more work to be done.

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Hopefully, however unlikely it is, Arsenal are able to sign Goretzka, or at least make one or two key additions this transfer window. But one player is not the solution that is needed. There is so much more.