How Arsenal Can Overcome Any ‘Blurred Lines’ To Reshape Their Future; Starting This Summer

With Arsenal heavily linked with big-money moves on a daily basis this summer, writer Jason Phillips looks at what needs to be added to the Gunners squad ahead of next season.

Not only giving us an easy image on the eye, number one single “Blurred Lines” can be used as inspiration in reshaping Arsenal’s future; starting this summer.

While Robin Thicke, T.I. and Pharrell’s hit puts itself out there with world class models in the music video, Arsène Wenger could do worse than make Arsenal the number one side in the Premier League, with a couple of world class model players.

New No.1

It seems logical to try and uncover the problem at the start of the team and the position which should be locked into place with the key thrown away; the goalkeeper. Wojciech Szczesny was the next big, his reputation heightening with outstanding performances that pushed Manuel Almunia out the door and kept Lukasz Fabianski holding on to the handle. Minor mistakes are excusable, but Szczesny’s League Cup calamity in 2011 was seen as the final straw for Arsenal fans, whose team were already ridiculed for their lack of mental strength and trophy credentials. This mishap triggered Szczesny’s Twitter resignation (a BIG step for such an avid tweeter – perhaps like yourself?) preceding a series of poor performances in the following seasons and a new, less confident Pole in goal. But it’s the ease of which the goalkeeper was ousted out of his starting berth last March that is concerning, his fellow countryman Fabianski being thrust with the pressure of resurrecting Arsenal’s erratic season.

From a shy, clearly nervous and inexperienced young man to a confident, well-built and vocal key figure in the side, Fabianski helped the Gunners on their way with a key string of wins that helped them cement a Champions League qualification place ahead of arch rivals Tottenham. As with many of Arsenal’s antics in the past years, it was unsurprising that the goalkeeping scenario would follow suit, Szczesny routinely slotting back into the side after ‘injury’ as a way of Wenger “playing it safe.” This attitude however, is exactly what contributes to the media mockery that Arsenal fans feel their club have become subject to during their barren run.

In order to never be in this position again and allow the number one role to become prestigious once more, spending some of the reported £70 million war chest is an essential investment for the basis of the squad. The much rumoured signing of Júlio César is a good start in asserting transfer market dominance, especially domestically, and strengthening the team efficiently. While many will claim that a QPR goalkeeper is not exactly the marquee signing touted, Premier League experience, first-choice experience and his impressive performances for Brazil, his signing would provide more stability to the team while being an encouraging sight that Arsène is on the right track in terms of using the transfer window to his advantage.

World class striker

To add to this signing, a world class forward with burning desire would help the club try and assert themselves among Europe’s elite, starting from 2013/2014. After being used to goal machines Ian Wright, Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and even the one-season-wonder Emmanuel Adebayor, last season’s inconsistent rotation of strikers justifies the need for a first-choice hitman who can get the fans buzzing again.

While rumours of Wayne Rooney refuse to die down, Gonzalo Higuaín could be the signing that gets fans off their seats (or in, them due to the ticket prices in all fairness!). An excellent goalscoring record for Real Madrid, the Argentine has shown his worth at the highest level and his successful career thus far may trigger the spark of genius within the Arsenal side.

Vermaelen as DM?

The brain behind it all, Wenger, may not be in agreement when his comments on “internal solutions” are used against him. The hero status of current captain Thomas Vermaelen has wavered with the fans, while his flawless performances have become distant memories. This has led to him losing his place to the ever-committed Laurent Koscielny and fox-in-the-box (only against Spurs) Per Mertesacker. Despite the dramatic lull in form, his past goalscoring record while at the heart of the defence arises a question that may shock, anger, confuse or perhaps brighten a supporters day. Could the out of favour skipper become the defensive midfield enforcer that has been craved for since the great Patrick Viera?

It may be argued that Alex Song courted the position in the past seasons before his shock move to La Liga champions Barcelona. At the same time, it’s hard to argue that, at times, Vermaelen’s perfect timing, strength, determination and left foot trigger could put him back in the fold at the heart of Arsenal’s side. A thought for Arsène Wenger; Thomas Vermaelen the defensive midfielder – it’s the internal solution, at no extra cost!

With the well-known acquisitions of the likes of César and Higuaín, as well as the core of a squad with newly found confidence from the latter stages of last season, perhaps this could be the year that Arsenal can overcome any blurred lines and fire themselves to victory.

Go on Arsène – I know you want it!

What do you think Arsenal need to add to turn the squad into trophy-challengers again? Get involved in the comments section below.