otfgoon wrote:

We really don't need to bring in a centre back. I wouldn't say no, but it's well down the list of priorities behind a winger, striker and competition for Wilshere/Song.

This is what I think. With the exception that the winger could be a really bloody good fullback (either side).

After a wide-forward / striker (ideally someone like Suarez, who could play both roles), a CB is the most important position for us to buy in.

I'm happy enough with Squillaci as 4th choice although if we were to sell him and buy Cahill, we'd be absolutely sorted. Don't think Wenger would be willing to move Koscielny to 4th choice after spending 10m on him though.

asajoseph wrote:

After a wide-forward / striker (ideally someone like Suarez, who could play both roles), a CB is the most important position for us to buy in.

A first choice CB to partner Vermaelen or a back-up to replace Koscielny?

The dynamic is just poor amongst our CBs, even before I start on how weak I think Koscielny is.

But Vermaelen and Bartley will be like new signings!

I'd say we need a good striker AND a good winger before we need a CB.

We already have three good wingers though.

Theo is as injury prone as Robin and I'm not optimistic the likelihood of Shava impressing next season.

get Cahill in NOW!!!!!! I just dont trust our defense at all. Kos seems determined to give away penalties, whilst committing his usual brain farts all over the place. Squid... well, the less said about a championship level player the better. DJ has shown some ability, but still dont think hes at the level a club like arsenal needs. That leaves Vermaelen.

get him in now!

Fair enough - I can understand that. As I said, I think it would be ideal to have a player who can play both positions (or possibly move Robin out wide more - though I'm less keen).

To my eyes a striker is top priority.
Outside of Robin, who is only periodically available, we do not have a player who is a consistent goal threat.

For me the problem with our wingers is that they are nullified considerably against deep defences. All 3 are very good at what they do but i think facing the likes of Utd with 10 men deep behind the ball, you need an old school winger. Somebody who just wants to run at his man, draw defenders and put in a good delivery.

I think we lack a little individuality against stubborn defences which is why i think somebody like Hazard could be key.

For me, Hazard, Lukaku / Neymar, and Cahill would be an absolutely perfect summer.

Midfield would still be a worry but ye..i'd definitely be happy with something like that.

asajoseph wrote:

For me, Hazard, Neymar, and Cahill would be an absolutely perfect summer.

Throw in a solid DM and that is perfect!

Well, we've got three young midfielders who look like they're at a level to provide options in midfield now (Lansbury, Frimpong and Coquelin), which makes me feel that whilst we've waited too long to get a proper backup / alternative to Song, that wait may be about to end.

I still think bringing in a finished player would be a better idea. I think a midfield of Cesc, Jack and Toulalan (example) with Lansbury, Ramsey, Frimpong and Coquelin in reserve would work nicely.

Just dont think we should be waiting to see 'if' the young players get to the level we need.

asajoseph wrote:

Fair enough - I can understand that. As I said, I think it would be ideal to have a player who can play both positions (or possibly move Robin out wide more - though I'm less keen).

Don't fair enough me, I want to argue damnit!!

Ideally I'd like reinforcements in every position, but as I say, I'm not greedy - I'd accept merely Hazard, Gotze, Cahill and Benzema

Seriously though, the way I look at it is - we assess our CB and wing options on the basis of performances this season, and this season those options have effectively been Kos, Squillaci & Djourou, and Nasri, Shava and Theo respectively (and Bendtner, ugh). I joke about 'new signings' but I do view Bartley & Vermaelen as reinforcements already on their way, while we really don't have any coming in the wide areas (if anything Shava is the most likely of those players to deteriorate).

CF is a problem position all onto itself. I can appreciate the interest in going for someone versatile enough to play both positions, but nonetheless, if we only signed two players this summer, I'd rather it was two forward players than a forward and a CB.

Pepe LeFrits wrote:

If Wenger feels Bartley can make a big step up next season then there isn't much point. If not, and Cahill is available at a knock-down price, we really should go for him. There's nothing to stop the club from sending Bartley on loan to a PL team, then reassessing our CB situation next summer. We could always sell a CB, they'll all have good sell-on value.

Those are my thoughts too. If Bartley can come in and offer legitimate competition to the centrebacks already there, and I wouldn't rule that out given how impressive he has been on loan, then I can accept us not going for Cahill. However, if Bartley is going to struggle with Squillaci for the "left over" games, and not really improve upon what we already have, then get Cahill in and send Bartley on loan where he can continue learning and improving to a point where he can really offer us something.