Grading Arsenal’s Transfer Activity

As many previous transfer windows before this was a very important one for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, but how did they do? Many Arsenal fans were buoyant after the early business that was done at the end of the World Cup but how will they be feeling now? did they do enough good business to make them a serious title contender or will Wenger’s men fall short again like last season?

David Ospina ( Grade B)

Ospina was signed on the 27th July from French side Nice for a fee believed to be in the region of £3 Million which looks an absolute bargain going by his displays for his country Columbia who were one of the surprise packages of the World Cup. Unfortunately he is suffering from a thigh injury he picked up in the World Cup but could be back for the visit of Manchester City on the 13th September. Ospina is the second choice keeper that Arsenal are crying out for to push No.1 Wojcech Szczesny all the way and keep the pole shotstopper on his toes. Ospina will be a very good addition to the Arsenal squad.

Mathieu Debuchy (Grade B)

Debuchy signed for Arsenal on the 17th July from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United for a £12 Million fee, this seems to be a no brainer with Debuchy being the ideal replacement for Bacary Sagna who left on a free transfer for Manchester City. Debuchy has all the attributes to be a big success at the Emirates and is more positionally sound than Sagna who relied heavily on his pace to get out of defensive situations. At £12 Million Debuchy is great value for the French Right Back who has displaced the former Arsenal man in Didier Deschamps Les Bleus side and played the majority of their World Cup campaign.

Calum Chambers (Grade B)

Calum Chambers was a surprise signing for many fans, The Southampton man joined for a fee of around £16 Million on 28th July. The 19 year old has already heavily featured for Arsenal and has looked very impressive playing at Centre Half, there have already been comparisons made with Arsenal legend Tony Adams which might be a bit premature. Chambers could be a vital signing due to him being able to play a multitude of positions, he can play Right back, Centre Back and Defensive Midfield. Chambers is clearly one for the future but early indications show he could be ready long before many expected.

Alexis Sanchez (Grade A)

Sanchez signed from Barcelona on 10th July for a fee believed to be in the region of £35 Million which was a huge signal of intent. The Chilean Forward is definitely the most exciting signing of the window for Arsenal who is another marquee signing following on from the capture of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid last Summer.  Sanchez is a fantastic signing but may take time to settle and get used to the hustle and bustle of the Premier League, his best position is definitely in wide areas and can cause full backs a lot of problems. Sanchez has already scored two goals for Arsenal which will go a long way to helping him settle quickly in an Arsenal shirt.

Danny Welbeck (Grade C)

Welbeck was signed on deadline day with a fee agreed late on believed to be £16 Million, the deal was on and off constantly many believe the deal going through was very dependant on Falcao’s loan move to Manchester United. The transfer of Welbeck has divided opinion amongst Arsenal fans but one thing is for sure the arrival of Welbeck will see the player hungry and one thing you always get with Welbeck is a high workrate. He is quick and can cause defenders problems. The England forward was surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and was not in Louis Van Gaal’s plans, the 23 year old will benefit from having a run of games under his belt and will no doubt fit in well to the way Wenger likes Arsenal to play. The jury will be out on Welbeck who doesn’t have a great goalscoring record but that may well be to do with him not have a regular starting postion at Manchester United. The situation is similar to one Daniel Sturridge who is now banging in the goals at Liverpool. This move could benefit Arsenal, Welbeck and England if the Striker can find his feet at the Emirates.

 

Conclusion

It has been a relatively successful window for Arsenal, I cannot help feel they are still very light defensively so a lot of baring as always will be put on keeping players fit, The biggest signing for Wenger this Summer is undoubtedly Alexis Sanchez who will excite the Arsenal faithful. There was disdain from some fans  towards the signing of Danny Welbeck yesterday which is understandable given the rumours of Falcao, Edinson Cavani and Marco Reus but it could have been worse, when you are conducting your business in the eleventh hour there are not many names that are a realistic option, Welbeck could be better buy than many expect.

Overall Transfer Grading (B)