Arsene Wenger will remain at Arsenal for another two years.
The next two years gives the Frenchman a chance to define his legacy at Arsenal: will it be a history of success turned to mediocrity, or a triumphant revival? If it is to be the latter, he needs to seriously strengthen his squad.
Here are the areas where the Gunners need to sign players.
Goalkeeper
Petr Cech was meant to save 10 points a season, but he has been far below the expected level.
Cech has not so much as made howlers, but has failed to make saves that a keeper of his supposed quality should.
Arsenal need a reliable shot-stopper and commander in the net if they are serious about mounting challenges for the elite trophies.
Centre-back
Laurent Koscielny spoke of how he has to take an injection before every match – this reliance of medication will surely spell the end of his Gunners’ career within a season, if not less.
Shkodran Mustafi has been good, but not exceptional, whilst Rob Holding has been promising, but is nowhere near the finished article.
Arsenal need an aggressive ball-playing centre-back. One who can balance the deftness of initiating attacks and knowing when to kick the ball out.
Central to any team that wins the league is a solid pairing at the back, and Arsenal are no exception.
Centre-midfielder
The Granit Xhaka project has so far failed and does not look like being a success.
Aaron Ramsey has stepped up to the plate in recent months – most notably with the winning goal in the FA Cup final – but will need a combative, defensively minded partner. Francis Coquelin should be nowhere near a team competing for the title, also.
A midfielder who can both sit, disciplined and effective in his approach, but also be belligerent in his play: someone to assert their authority on a match.
Striker
Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck are simply not good enough to propel a title charge.
Chelsea boast Diego Costa, Manchester City boast Sergio Aguero, Tottenham boast Harry Kane and Manchester United will soon boast Antoine Griezmann.
Arsenal need a marquee signing to spearhead their attack. This is a position that the Gunners have needed to fill for years – they need to refrain from reproaching at hefty transfer prices and just close their eyes and pay.
A goal-scoring centre forward capable of netting 25 times in the league would not wonders for this Arsenal side.
Conclusion
It is fairly evident that Arsenal need major strengthening this summer; if the board are willing to give Wenger another two years they should also be willing to give him the budget he requires to determine his own legacy at the club.
Written by Michael Jones
Follow Michael on Twitter @jonesmichael_97
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