Cech could be followed by two world class signings at Arsenal
Following Arsenal’s signing of Petr Cech, Chelsea captain John Terry has said that this could guarantee the Gunners another 12-15 points per season, the Blues centre back may also be concerned about other players who have been rumoured to follow the goalkeeper through the Emirates door.
Arsenal are 5/1 with Coral currently to win the Premier League next term; a price which could tumble once the club have confirmed Cech’s signing.
A born winner and a natural leader, he is exactly the type of character the north London outfit have needed, especially between the sticks, since the likes of multi-medal winning custodians, David Seaman and Jens Lehman.
Admittedly, both weren’t without their faults and did make mistakes, though they took them on the chin and didn’t let it affect their game. Cech is in the same league; slightly better than Lehman and perhaps on a par with Seaman. He can help Arsenal win the Premier League.
Furthermore, his signing will be like a beacon to others around Europe. As if they weren’t already considered a force to be reckoned with after Alexis Sanchez chose to move last summer; Cech, who had his pick of clubs chose the Gunners. A strong sign of their re-established pulling power.
It could well be one of the reasons why Morgan Schneiderlin chooses the club. It has been reported that he has two offers on the table, and these are thought to be from Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, with all the turbulence at Old Trafford at the moment and the main transfer talk being outbound, he may opt for the Gunners. Afterall, it is closer to Southampton, and he would also be in London. United are likely to lose their number one, David De Gea this summer to Real Madrid and there is no guarantee of a replacement.
The Gunners have the most settled and balanced side and Schneiderlin would slot straight in next to Santi Cazorla in midfield, with Francis Coquelin his perfect understudy and more than capable replacement. As well as this, he would also link up with Calum Chambers who made the switch from St Mary’s last summer.
With the likes of Mesut Ozil, Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott ahead of him, he would have no difficulty picking a pass. Players like that naturally create space for their teammates without any difficulty.
At United, however, he would need to try and fit into what isn’t the most settled of midfields. Louis van Gaal at the moment is tasked with accommodating Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata, Angel di Maria, Ashley Young and new signing Memphis Depay. It seems an obvious choice.
Should Schneiderlin opt for the Emirates, many feel the club would then be one quality signing short of having the required strength to win major honours.
Much has been said about a world class forward to elevate them to the standard of Chelsea, though with Wenger, requisite due diligence is paramount – he doesn’t just sign anyone; they have to fit sensitively into the team’s aesthetic philosophy. Not just a round peg in a round hole; more like a jewel in the crown.
At this time of year, names of potentially available strikers are thrown around carelessly by everyone from the postman to the tabloids. Gonzalo Higuain is likely to leave Napoli after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League, however the Naples-based outfit want his buyout clause of £67m. Though Arsenal could afford this, it is a bit steep for a 27-year-old.
Meanwhile, Lyon’s French forward Alexandre Lacazette could be an option, after scoring 27 goals in 31 appearances for the club last term. At 24, he is at the perfect age, however, links to Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre Emerick Aubameyang might be more realistic.
Although the German outfit have said the Gabon international isn’t for sale, they didn’t qualify for the Champions League last season, which could convince the player to force through a move, with the Gunners said to be contemplating a bid in the region of £30m.
He is another who is blessed with pace and an excellent eye for goal, after his haul of 25 in all competitions last term.
Joining Walcott and Sanchez, or even Danny Welbeck in attack, the Gunners would terrify teams with their electric pace and certainly be a force to be reckoned with, especially in the Champions League (25/1 to win) against slow and ageing defences. It could see them take on a style similar to Barcelona, who operate with a fluid front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
Arsenal don’t need major changes this summer. That much is obvious. However Cech choosing the Gunners, takes them into another league, and is a definite magnet for more quality.