Having spent approximately £83m in the summer with a Net spend of £70m, Arsenal spent one of the highest net spends over the summer transfer window with only Manchester United recording a bigger net spend. I will be taking a look at the five key first team signings, how well they have fitted in and performed so far this season for the Gunners.
Alexis Sánchez: Signing for £32m Alexis was Arsenal’s second biggest signing in history. He was welcomed into open arms and has made an immediate impact into Arsenal’s first team already. Sánchez has fit perfectly straight into the first team and has become a major factor in Arsenal’s attack. Alexis never gives up, he has given his all so far in every match he has played. Out on the flanks Sánchez has not only been a key part of the attack, but his desire to retain the ball has seen him back in midfield and challenging within the defence on multiple occasions. But Alexis is not one of the world’s finest talents for just his creative play he’s also a proven goalscorer having already picked up 5 goals this season in Arsenal colours. Although fans were begging for a center-back through the summer he is £32 million well spent in my eyes. Wenger does need to ensure the Chilean does not get burnt out. With so many injuries amongst the Arsenal squad, Alexis is a key player in the squad although he will need to be need to be rotated, giving maximum effort every match he plays has potential for him to either see injury or his quality slowly deteriorate.
Mathieu Debuchy: Arsenal’s second signing through the summer window saw Debuchy fill the defensive gap left by Bacary Sagna. He had shown promise within his first 7 appearances and much like the other summer signings fitted in well to the squad. Although an early injury has already ended his start at Arsenal as it was just beginning. After suffering ligament damage in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, the French defender underwent surgery on his ankle and was confirmed out for 3 months. This is an obvious blow to Arsenal and Debuchy alike but there are players who have the ability to replace him in the short term. The major hope is he returns to the first team as positively as he began.
David Ospina: With Lukasz Fabianski leaving for Swansea when his contract ended, David Ospina a somewhat World Cup superstar was that man to replace the Polish goalkeeper. With Wociech Szczesny still the first choice goalkeeper, Ospina has only made one appearance so far for the Gunners. His first match did show signs of nervousness especially with the ball at his feet. He did make a few promising saves throughout the match although a rocket shot from Nathaniel Clyne from 25 yards flew right above the Colombian into the top of the net. His positioning was perfect to make the save, but obviously something happened to (I’m still unsure what) that caused him to miss the save. He may have a future at Arsenal, but with increasing reports of Iker Casillas moving away from the Bernabeu, Ospina will need to up his future performances as well as training without becoming injured again to try and push Arsenal away from signing the Real Madrid keeper which will push him further down the pecking order.
Calum Chambers: Chambers was Arsenal’s fourth addition to the squad over the summer. He has featured a fair few times since signing. With Mathieu Debuchy out injured the 19 year old has filled in the right-back role on four occasions whilst starting in the central defence role. Although his discipline has been appalling, there’s no hiding it. He’s already picked up 5 cards and will miss the next match for suspension for picking up too many cards. Elsewhere his performances have varied. His holding of the ball has been weak, although he does like to travel up the field. His ability to play in various positions has helped Wenger a great deal, as he is able to provide cover is several positions. He has provided a great presence aerially and his passing ability is great. The only worry currently for Chambers is his disciplinary, having picked up a yellow card in every Premier League match he has started. There is a very bright future at Arsenal for Chambers and he has shown his ability already, but he needs to ensure he does not collect quite so many cards during the rest of the season
Danny Welbeck: Welbeck was highly criticized by many on his signing at Arsenal, but boy has he proved many wrong. Although only grabbing 4 goals this season, Welbeck has proved he fits in well with the current Arsenal squad. Welbeck will need to provide the necessary goals for Arsenal, but has been key in helping the team in attack as well as defense so far this season. Welbeck’s link up play with many of the Arsenal attacking players has been outstanding, similar to that of his determination. Welbeck has found himself contributing towards the defence, winning the ball in places he has no right to be in and kick-starting the attacks himself. Wenger needs to ensure the England international is rested well, he will play a vital role in Arsenal’s season and with Yaya Sanogo as Arsenal’s only true backup striker who isn't know for his goalscoring ability, overplaying Welbeck unnecessarily will be a risk any fans won’t want to see being taken.
Article contributed by: Sporting Antics
Twitter: @FootyAntics
