Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal’s Chief Executive has reiterated that the Gunners will strengthen the team this summer to increase their chances of winning silverware next season.
Arsene Wenger’s side went on a tremendous run of form since the loss to rivals Spurs in the North London derby back in early March which can be seen at www.footballscores.com results as the Gunners won nine out of their final 11 matches. Their unbeaten streak enabled Arsenal to beat the odds and sneak back into the top four to quality for the Champions League next season.
Gazidis, Wenger and majority stakeholder Stan Kroenke have been accused by fans of being satisfied with a top four finish rather than fighting for the title and other trophies, however when speaking to Arsenal.com, the Chief Executive has expressed that himself and his team will work hard to build on what is already a strong foundation and bring in some necessary acquisitions.
The 48-year-old said:
Arsène and the team put together a remarkably strong and consistent run in the final stages of the season, a run of form of which we should all be proud. It puts us into the Champions League fight for the 16th consecutive year.
It is important to reiterate that for everyone at the Club, qualification for the Champions League is not our ultimate ambition. Our majority owner Mr Kroenke has made it clear that while it’s an achievement to make the Champions League our ultimate objective is to win the major trophies. We all share that clear ambition and will be driving the Club forward to achieve it. Arsène and I have already been planning what we need to do to strengthen so we are better placed next season.
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One thing is certain. The Club is in a very strong position to move forward and our form of losing just one of our last 16 Premier League matches shows that we have a solid foundation on which to build for success.
This is exactly what Gooners want to hear. The past few months have shown that Arsenal bought wisely last summer and have a brilliant base of up and coming players. The likes of Koscielny and Ramsey coming into their own has increased the depth, they managed to keep Vermaelen and Wilshere effectively out the lineup! The most important thing is for Arsenal do not sell any top players this summer and strengthen appropriately. We all know we need a star centre forward, I’m not convinced Stevan Jovetic is the answer, Gonzalo Higuain is a bit more an established superstar and would be an interesting signing.
In midfield we need a defensive enforcer. Arteta has done swell, but he’s aging and does not have the Vieira or Song-esk physicality to him. Perhaps Frimpong could step into that role after a decent spell with Fulham, but his future is uncertain with no new contract signed and his current deal expiring this summer. At the back there could be some minor tinkering, right back requires some more depth with Sagna’s future uncertain too however left is sorted thanks to January’s signing Nacho Monreal. In the centre much will depend on whether captain Vermaelen remains with the club, that could potentially be all up in the air after the emergence of Mertesacker and Koscielny as the first choice duo.
What are your thoughts on Gazidis’ promise to strengthen the squad this summer? Think it will actually happen this summer and Arsenal can take a step forward instead of back like we have continually for the past number of years? Feel free to comment below..
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