Arsenal set to make big mistake on transfer day

Reports have emerged from the Emirates Stadium that the Gunners transfer business is done. Having already signed Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, Calum Chambers and David Ospina this summer, they are all of a sudden light up front after Olivier Giroud sustained a broken leg.

Currently 10/1 to win the Premier League, Arsenal’s odds could drift over the coming weeks, if they cannot replace Giroud’s goals. Although Sanchez has now netted two goals in as many matches, Arsene Wenger’s team were unconvincing in the 1-1 draw with Leicester City.

It is this which prompted reports to link Arsenal with a striker, and possibly a defensive midfielder on transfer deadline day, however, Arsene Wenger is in Rome refereeing a charity match. Although the club said he would still be in a position to sign players if he changed his mind this now looks unlikely, after they reportedly declined the chance to sign ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe. Having joined Toronto FC in January, boss Ryan Nelson has now left the club and the former Premier League striker is being linked with a move back to England.

One problem that won’t be addressed as it stands is defensive midfield. Although Mathieu Flamini re-signed for the club on a free transfer last summer, it could well be Wenger’s plan to try and get the best out of his compatriot for at least one more season before making an executive decision as to whether he needs to strengthen there.

It was revealed in the summer that Wenger may be looking to convert Jack Wilshere into a holding midfielder, after the Frenchman admitted that the England midfielder has the talent and versatility to evolve.

Whether or not Wenger enters the transfer market before the deadline, they will be watched with scrutiny throughout the season, after many predicted this would be their time to shine after winning the FA Cup in May.