In a recent interview with the Arsenal Player, Arsenal legend Robert Pires discussed the various things Arsene Wenger has to do this summer transfer window in order to win the Premier League title after a long gap of 14 years.
The 43-year old midfielder played for the Gunners from 2000 to 2006. During that period he managed to play 278 games(the most games he has played for a single club) in all competitions garnering 81 goals & 30 assists in the process. Pires last played for FC Goa in the Indian Super League towards the fag end of 2014.
Last summer Pires spent time training with Wenger and the Arsenal squad at the London Colney to maintain his fitness during the off-season.
His French connection with Wenger has always helped him to maintain a cordial relationship with the 67-year old manager throughout his time at the Emirates Stadium. And he is still very close with the Frenchman.
Pires on asked ‘What the club needs to do this summer?’ said:
“This summer for Arsene Wenger is very important. In my opinion, he needs to try to extend the contracts of Alexis and Mesut Ozil. This is the first thing, and after of course, you need to sign new players.
“Everything has changed because we’re not playing in the Champions League, but we must focus and look forward to the new season. The most important thing is to win the Premier League, for him, the players and the fans.
“I believe in Arsene Wenger, I believe in this squad, I believe in the young players like Alex Iwobi and Hector Bellerin. When I see the name on the paper or the squad, it’s very good.
“Some players can play at a very high level and play for the national team.
“Maybe Arsene Wenger [would like] two or three more players but the stability is here because he’s extended his contract.”
After securing a Bosman deal for Bosnian left-back Sead Kolasinac earlier in June, the Gunners are now close to signing France national team & Olympique Lyonnais striker Alexandre Lacazette according to reliable reports from BBC Sport.
Hence the next important thing to do for Wenger is to somehow make Mesut Ozil & Alexis Sanchez sign the new contracts provided to them and then secure deals for 1 or 2 more necessary team players sooner than later.
One thing to be noted is that if Arsenal fail to tie down Ozil & Sanchez to the club this summer it would be an absolute disaster even if the North London club sign 5 players because both of them are absolutely important for the team’s chances in the 2017/18 Premier League season as Pires pointed out.
So let’s wait and watch if Wenger satisfies the wishes of his former Arsenal player.
