As the 2014-2015 season nears its end, Arsenal appear set to miss out on winning the title for yet another year after drawing with Chelsea, seeing them ten points clear with only five games left to play. In order to contend their London rivals next season, a few moves need to be made by manager Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal are reportedly lining up a 20 million move for Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie. Palace Manager Alan Pardew has slapped Bolasie with a 40 million tag, but Arsenal are keen to knock down that number.
The Arsenal midfield is definitely its strength, but adding a winger would not be a bad notion. With Theo Walcott almost invisible since his return from injury, it would seem his time as a Gunner may be over. Arsene Wenger will have a difficult decision on what to do with the Englishman’s contract situation this summer, which could open the door for a Bolasie signing.
In the past few games, Arsene Wenger has deployed Aaron Ramsey on the right wing, to some avail in his credit. Ramsey, though, is not a natural winger, as you can see in his inability to take on defenders one on one. Ramsey instead looks to intervene with quick passes, opening up spaces in the defense to run into, which he can do successfully through the middle. While Ramsey has served admirably on the right wing, Bolasie would undoubtedly add another element to an already lethal Arsenal attack.
While Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to return from injury soon, he would surely benefit from Bolasie’s competition, as well as perhaps youngster Serge Gnarby. With Alexis Sanchez stationed on one wing, Arsenal just seem to need a more direct attacking threat on his opposite side, something that Wenger will address by next season.
Arsenal rivals Tottenham and Liverpool are said to be in the race for the signature of the DR Congo star, and his name will be a hot topic this summer. If Arsenal could land him though, the 2015-2016 title would be clear in their sights.
