Arsenal’s current run of eight consecutive wins in the Premier League has lifted them in to second and with an outside chance of pipping Chelsea to the title.
That probably won’t happen, but the slight fears that they might just miss out on a top four spot have been put to bed with a late surge in form that could see them finish the season as runners-up.
But if Arsene Wenger’s side are to mount a serious challenge for their first league title since 2004, they’re going to need to invest wisely in the summer transfer window.
Summer signing Alexis Sanchez has been on fire in his debut seasons at the Emirates, while Mesut Ozil’s flashes of brilliance suggest he has so much more to offer in an Arsenal side flirting with domestic success after over a decade of suffering in the shadows of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Wenger’s reluctance to spend big money looks to be in the past if Arsenal’s last few transfer windows are anything to go by, so it’s fair to say the Gunners faithful are expecting more big name arrivals ahead of next season.
Arsenal have been linked with 36 players already, so we asked Arsenal fans to vote thumbs up or thumbs down on each and every one of them.
305 Gooners had their say and, now voting has officially closed, we’re bringing you the five players they want Arsene Wenger to splash out on this summer without fail.
So, here goes…
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5. Petr Cech
The 32-year-old Czech shot-stopper has been relegated to the Chelsea subs bench since Thibaut Courtois returned from his loan spell with Atletico Madrid in the summer.
Given that Cech is still one of the world’s best goalkeepers, it’s no surprise he’s considering a move away from the club where has made over 330 Premier League appearances in an attempt to finish his career on a high.
Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law revealed on Sunday Supplement recently that Chelsea will allow Cech to pick the club he’d like to join in the summer, instead of prevent him from joining a top four rival.
And that’s great news for Arsenal, who are lining up a move for the ‘keeper, according to the Metro.
And with Wojciech Szczesny’s Arsenal career in doubt, Wenger probably sees Cech as an idea first choice keeper for the next couple of years, though that would mean David Ospina being unfairly dropped back to the bench.
Still, Arsenal fans appear to be in agreement, with 116 voting in favour of a move for the Blues keeper.
4. Paulo Dybala
The 21-year-old Argentine has burst on to the scene this season with some phenomenal performances for Palermo over in Italy.
The wonderkid has netted 13 goals in 29 league appearances for Rosanero so far this season, which has led to some of Europe’s elite clubs showing a serious interest in his signature.
Arsenal are one of those sides and, if MirrorFootball are to be believed, they’ll be making a move for him in the next week or so, with a £29million price tag placed on the striker’s head by club President Mauro Zamparini.
Danny Welbeck’s injury record – which has subsequently hindered his goal scoring record – this season will have worried Wenger, so it’s no surprise he’s thinking of bringing in another goalscorer this summer.
Arsenal fans feel the same, obviously, and would love to see Dybala swap pink for red before the start of next season. Surprisingly, 57 Gunners fans don’t want him at the Emirates next term, but it’s ok because 110 do.
3. Alexandre Lacazette
Staying on the subject of strikers, there’s a certain Frenchman catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs at the moment.
Banging in 24 league goals in a season is always going to get you noticed, no matter what league you’re playing in, which is why 21-year-old Alexandre Lacazette is being linked with the world and his wife.
The youngster has broken on to the scene with Lyon this season and Arsenal appear to be interesting in bringing his goal scoring exploits to the Emirates Stadium as Wenger goes in search of a Premier League title.
The fans want him, too, with 153 Gooners voting him a thumbs up in our recent poll.
The striker revealed last summer that he turned down advances from Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle in order to go head-to-head with Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Ligue 1’s Golden Boot.
He’s certainly gone and done that, and he’s also increased his value in the process.
It appears to be a straight arm wrestle between Arsenal and Liverpool for his signature this summer. Who will get him?
2. Raphael Varane
Despite signing Brazilian Gabriel Paulista in January, Arsenal fans are still crying out for another centre-half this summer.
Laurent Koscielny is struggling to keep himself fit and Per Mertesacker is admittedly no longer the spring chicken he perhaps used to be.
So Arsene Wenger is probably right to be looking around Europe for a decent centre-back to come in partner Gabriel in the heart of defence next season.
Real Madrid’s Varane is being touted as the ideal man to do just that, but Arsenal face stiff competition from Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho making it no secret that he is a big fan of the 21-year-old defender.
According to the Metro, Real Madrid have agreed to allow Varane to leave the Bernabeu for as little as £20million this summer, which is probably why Arsenal fans are so eager for Wenger to tempt the France international to north London.
Given his age, his potential and current price tag, it’s no surprise 168 Gunners fans voted for Varane, while just 22 aren’t too keen.
1. Morgan Schneiderlin
Anyone else getting sick and tired of Arsenal’s reported persistent interest link with Morgan Schneiderlin? No? Just me, then.
Anyway, it’s certainly no secret that Arsenal have been crying out for a decent defensive midfielder ever since they sold Alex Song to Barcelona in 2012.
The emergence of Francis Coquelin has perhaps dispelled the rumours linking Arsenal with the Southampton’s Schneiderlin in recent months, but that doesn’t mean Arsenal fans no longer want him.
The Saints midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates since last summer, and even publically announced his anger as the St. Mary’s outfit told him he wasn’t allowed to leave the club while they went about flogging half of their squad to Liverpool.
Since then he’s proven to be an important player in Ronald Koeman’s Southampton revolution this season as they surprise everyone by challenging for a top four finish, or at least a spot in next season’s Europe League.
So that’s why 194 fans voted for the France international, while the 19 fans who voted thumbs down are probably content with Coquelin and another challenge for a top four finish.
