Reports in the media today (26.8.14) suggest the injury picked up by Olivier Giroud at the end of Arsenal's match against Everton could keep the Frenchman out until the New Year. If this is true this will come as a huge blow to Arsene Wenger's plans to consolidate and do well this season.
Wenger is waiting for confirmation as to the extent of Giroud's injury and there is real concern that the injury could keep the Arsenal player out for four months.
With days running out in the current transfer window Arsene may feel compelled to make a splash to compensate for this bad news. The speculation has already forced Wenger to review the possibility of selling highly rated Lukas Podolski, which was on the cards up until as late as last week. The news that Podolski was even being considered to be sold had upset many Gunners fans and many believe the German is actually a better prospect up front than Giroud. The player who will benefit the most from this news will be Yaya Sonogo, who impressed in the charity shield and will likely start up front for Arsenal's must-win Champions League 2nd leg qualifier with Istanbul-based Besiktas.
Interestingly, as good a player as Alexis Sanchez undoubtedly is, Arsene Wenger made a huge mistake playing the Chilean as a lone striker against Everton. Sanchez clearly looked uncomfortable in the 4-5-1 formation and I hope the Arsenal manager learns from this. If Sanchez is going to deliver his full potential it won't be in this role. He is a 4-4-2 striker for sure; or floating just behind the target striker at the tip of the diamond formation in midfield.
The next few days, as we lean towards the close of the transfer window, will be make or break for Arsenal and Wenger. I can see him making a big signing but as to who this is going to be your guess is as good as mine.
Source: DSG
