Time for Arsenal swap shop

According to reports originating in Italy, Serie A giants Juventus look set to offer Arsenal both Gianluigi Buffon and Felipe Melo in return for the services of striker Robin van Persie.

Speaking to fellow Gooners, this possible transfer would be supported by a majority of fans. I must say I would be in favour of such a deal.

Although on the surface this would significantly weaken Arsenal upfront, the two signings would enhance the spine of the Arsenal team in two vital areas.

Since the departure of Jen Lehmann, the position of goalkeeper has proved hugely problematic to Arsène Wenger. The signing of Buffon would prove a masterstroke and provide true experience and calmness to a defence that is always living on the edge.
At 32, Buffon is at the perfect age for Arsenal to sign and would not inhibit the progress of the best keeper currently on the Gunners’ books - Wojciech Szczesny. It is highly unlikely that Wenger will promote Szczesny to Number 1 for the start of 2010/11.

Such a move would ensure the young Polish international’s career path. It would be enriched and a natural progression would be guaranteed while training and learning from the very best goalkeeper in world football. Even if Buffon only played for three years, at the end of this period Szczesny would still be only 23.

The second potential signing of Melo could be more contentious. Melo is a Brazilian international certain to play a pivotal role in the World Cup. However, he has had a disastrous first season with the Old Lady. Wenger was seriously interested in signing the former Fiorentina midfielder during the last summer transfer window. I don’t think Arsenal’s manager will be put off by a dip in form. Anyone who follows Italian football will know Juventus have struggled since enjoying a bright start. They sacked manager Ciro Ferrara and will not qualify for Champions League football next season.

Although, Alex Song has progressed remarkably this season, I still remain unconvinced about his ability against top quality opposition in both the Premier League and European football. Melo is much more mobile, has the ability to cover more ground and would add greater depth to our squad. I’m not put off by Melo’s failure to adjust to life in Turin. I seem to remember another player suffering a similar misfortune at the end of the last century before joining Arsenal. He went on to become the greatest scorer in Arsenal's history and arguably the second best player to ever wear red and white.

The most controversial part of any such swap deal would be the loss of van Persie to Arsenal’s forward line. Again, this must be balanced against the potential enhancements this summer could bring to both the first eleven and squad. It is almost certain Marouane Chamakh will join Arsenal from Bordeaux once the season finishes.

Also, the significance of van Persie’s injury while on international duty with Holland and how it derailed Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League cannot be underestimated. I would accept the deal with Juventus because incredibly, in the six seasons since van Persie joined Arsenal from Feyenoord Rotterdam, in only one has a long-term injury not struck down our centre forward.

Reports suggest Wenger will have more money to spend than in any previous summer. His determination to persist with his favoured 4-3-3 formation makes it imperative that he signs a proven goal scorer this summer. Losing van Persie would be a sacrifice worth paying if we could improve upon two vital positions and still have the necessary money to acquire a world-class forward such as David Villa from Valencia. Villa, at 28 is a goal machine and regularly guarantees 25 plus goals a season in La Liga. A potential Golden Boot winner, Villa will be a real star for Spain in South Africa. This signing more than any other would send out a clear message to our rivals in England and Europe, that Arsenal mean business next season.

It would I'm certain put a smile on our young captain’s face. The future of Cesc Fabregas will come under even further speculation this summer. Signing Villa would prove to Fabregas that Arsenal is the real deal.

Horrific finale ends Arsenal dream

I had genuinely hoped that my first ever blog entry would come on May 9th and be part of a double celebration for both the arrival of the first ever trophy to Arsenal's new stadium and the birthday of my Gooner-loving girlfriend.

This afternoon, the dream ended. Due to a horrific and painful performance by Arsenal FC, I feel the summer can't come soon enough.

At least this week may finally wake some people up to the truth. Big changes are required - throughout the club. This is not an over-reaction to what was a disastrous last few minutes of our game against Wigan.

For me its the final straw. We've allowed ourselves to become complacent. Its no exaggeration to say this is the worst season in terms of quality for years in the English Premier League. To those who say we've exceeded expectations, I say thats pure nonsense. We've not over achieved at all.

Standards have fallen.

I'm angry today - because it's obvious that our club has tried to pull the wool over our eyes since 2004 and then when moving to its new home. It's been a massive con. A PR exercise with Arsène Wenger acting as the mouthpiece. We are a football club not a property company.

If the powers that be can't see we need a top-quality goalkeeper, two new central defenders, a mobile and strong forward then they should take up crown green bowls this summer.