Source: Team_Talk
Wenger facing decisive campaign
Former Arsenal star Perry Groves believes next season could be crucial in deciding Arsene Wenger's future at the club.[LNB] Groves, a favourite with the fans during his playing days for the Gunners, believes Wenger will sign a new contract extension if they can win some silverware next season.[LNB]Wenger's contract runs out at the end of next season and if Arsenal remain without a trophy, then the omens on the Frenchman staying do not look convincing.[LNB]"It is a big season for Arsene," Groves said.[LNB]"His contract is up at the end of next season. If he signs the right sort of players and Arsenal are competitive and have a realistic chance of winning the Premier League then I think he will stay longer.[LNB]"If they are not then sometimes things run their natural course. If you look at the four games against Manchester United and Chelsea this season, in three of them I felt Arsenal were a long way away from those two.[LNB]"Chelsea and United are physically and mentally stronger because they have won things. This Arsenal team have not won things."[LNB]Much will depend on how Wenger's fills the void left by Cesc Fabregas.[LNB]He looks certain to return to Barcelona but his departure will leave a major gap in Arsenal's armoury.[LNB]Groves believes Wenger should make it a priority to find a midfielder with physical presence plus three other players, if they are to make an impact against United and Chelsea next term.[LNB]"It is very difficult to replace world-class players straight away because Arsene won't spend that sort of money," said Groves.[LNB]"He has spent two or three years maturing this team but the one thing they are missing is a physical presence.[LNB]"It is a shame Aaron Ramsey has such a bad injury as I think Arsene would groom him for the Fabregas role. Jack Wilshere will come back (from his loan at Bolton) and someone like Mikel Arteta would fit that role.[LNB]"But Arsenal need a midfielder with a physical presence and I don't think fans would complain if Yaya Toure was to come the other way as part of the Fabregas deal. There is no time to nurture players now.[LNB]"Arsenal need four established players because his policy has not worked.[LNB]"I think he needs a goalkeeper and a centre-back because William Gallas is going to go and Sol Campbell can't play a whole season. They need someone like a Brede Hangeland from Fulham or a Roger Johnson at Birmingham.[LNB]"They also need a combative central midfielder in the Scott Parker mould and a striker, although they've got Marouane Chamakh coming in.[LNB]"I would like to think Chamakh will make a big difference. If you are playing up front for Arsenal, with the chances they create, then any striker worth his salt should score 20-25 goals a season."[LNB]
