Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has dropped a strong hint that he could prolong his stay with the club beyond the current campaign.
The Frenchman came for immense criticism following a four-match losing streak which included a League Cup final defeat, but the club have since steadied the ship with six wins across all competitions.
Speaking after the Gunners’ 3-2 win over Southampton, the French tactician was asked whether the Gunners are spoilt for choice in the forward department to which he replied in the affirmative, while hinting that the club may not bolster the position during the summer.
He told Standard Sport:
“In some aspects of the game there is no need to buy more players at that level, because we have young strikers as well, promising strikers. But we’ll see [about] that at the end of the season.”
Judging by Wenger’s comments, the focus is likely to lie on the midfield and defensive departments in the next transfer window, and the latter could be given more importance with Laurent Koscielny struggling to live up to his regular expectations.
Shkodran Mustafi has also blown hot and cold in the Gunners’ shirt, and the club require at least one recruit, who can perform on a more consistent basis.
Meanwhile, there is also the need for a world-class player in the centre of the park, who can intercept play on more occasions than not.
Granit Xhaka has not quite lived up to the billing of being a tough-tackler, whilst the future of Jack Wilshere remains under question with his contract due to expire in a couple of months’ time.
Arsenal return to Europa League action in midweek where they make the long trip to Russia to take on CSKA Moscow. The north London giants have a three-goal advantage after a 4-1 triumph at the Emirates, but they need to guard against any complacency whilst getting the job done.
