What Arsenal need

By David Lee Wheatley

Arsene in search of winning formula again

Arsenal have suffered a torrid season amid an ongoing eight-year run without a major trophy. Fans used to the glory days of Wenger's reign have been calling for changes at the top and a new spending policy to allow Arsenal to compete for top players once again.

It certainly appears to be time for Wenger to get the cheque book open to recruit 4 or 5 top-class players to supplement a squad too heavy on young potential, but not proven world-class performers.

The January signing of impressive left-back Nacho Monreal was a step in the right direction, but there is still much to do for the Gunners to become title-chasing material once more.

The Arsenal defence has come under huge scrutiny this season with the solid Arsenal defence of old, marshalled by Tony Adams, still fresh in the memory.

Today's Premier League is played at the fastest pace it ever has been, but in Mertesacker and Koscielny there is a lack of rapid movement that is far too easily exploited by opposition forwards.

Meanwhile, in goal, Szczesny is a quality keeper but the options of Fabianski and Mannone don't push him hard enough. His inexperience occasionally causes mistakes and a well-travelled goalkeeper to battle for a place in the side would be helpful.

The midfield is kept ticking in the middle of the park by Mikel Arteta, while Jack Wilshere is fast becoming the main man for the north London club.

Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain are quick and tricky on the wings when played there, with the option of moving Walcott up front when required. The playmaker is stylish Spaniard Santi Cazorla, a player with magic in his feet and great imagination.

There is room for a powerful midfielder, a la Patrick Vieira, to challenge Arteta for a place in the side. Unfortunately, the players in the background don't fit the bill.

Abou Diaby has the physical attributes, but is nowhere near the level Vieira reached, plus he has suffered numerous injury problems during his time at the club. Rosicky has not lived up to expectations and there are doubts over Ramsey's ability to improve sufficiently to become a top-class operator.

Up front, Giroud and Podolski are both quality players, but when assessed alongside stars of the past such as Bergkamp, Van Persie and Henry, there is no comparison. The lack of quality in reserve is opitimised by the flighty Gervinho. His inconsistency is frustrating and has led to a strictly bench role for the Ivorian.

Arsene Wenger will require possibly two new strikers to sweep through the doors at the Emirates Stadium providing stern competition for the guys currently entrusted with grabbing goals for the Gunners this season.

Wenger has improved the strength of the squad with the two signings from Malaga, but there is still much to do. Having lost a large amount of star turns over the last few years, it is now or never for Arsene to invest in new blood to raise Arsenal back into championship contention.

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