Two quality players for each position is the ideal that Arsene Wenger has stated that he is striving for. So, ignoring the random media speculation, which positions do Arsenal need to strengthen before the transfer deadline?

Goalkeeper: Sczcesny, Fabianksi

Right back: Sagna, Jenkinson

Centre back: Koscielny, Bartley

Centre back: Vermaelen, Djourou

Left back: Gibbs, Traore

Defensive mid: Song, Frimpong

Central midfield: Wilshere, Rosicky

Central midfield: Fabregas, Ramsey

Right attacker: Walcott, Nasri

Left Attacker: Gervinho, Arshavin

Striker: Van Persie, Chamakh

Each position is covered in terms of numbers in the first team squad but what about the quality?

As you would expect with Wenger, the attack and midfield look very good so only if Nasri or Fabregas depart will he need to invest here.

In defensive areas, Arsenal look less reliable. Alexandre Song only has the highly rated but untested Frimpong as competition for his position. Song can be a fantastic player but there were signs of fatigue last season and with competition set to be more fierce than ever at the top of the league, Wenger should still strongly consider investing in a proven midfield enforcer. Strangely Arsenal have not been linked with any players of this ilk in the close season but many fans will still be desperate for the manager to pull off the ‘under the radar’ signing that he was once renowned for.

Further back and performance levels can be expected to be even more unreliable. At left back Kieran Gibbs has a horrific injury record which we can only hope improves. He is also raw and at the critical stages of the season may not instil the greatest confidence in his teammates. Traore is even more inexperienced and this is a position that definitely could still do with improving. Newcastle’s Jose Enrique impressed last season and would be fairly affordable so this is another position that many would expect to be improved, despite Wenger’s argument that he doesn’t want to ‘kill’ Gibbs.

In central defence, Thomas Vermaelen is the only world class defender. Koscielny and Djourou both have good qualities but proved last season that they are not ready to be relied upon. Another player here is a must which takes the shopping list to a total of three.

Sagna is Mr. Reliable at right back and Jenkinson looks like a good, promising deputy. In goal Sczcesny could be a world beater and Fabianksi proved he is not totally hopeless last season so hopefully his return from injury will see the Poles push each other along. A more experienced ‘keeper would be preferential but Sczcesny’s development means this is not a necessity.

So, three further signings for Arsenal and an extremely strong squad will be formed. However, arguably this has been the case for a number of seasons, as success is always just one step too far, so why will this summer be any different to the previous five?

That is the problem and why dissent has already emanated from the Arsenal fans at the Emirates Cup, before the season has even begun. A year which has seen a disastrous end to the season, a rise in ticket prices and only a marginal net spend in the transfer window has created a tension in pre-season that has all but eliminated the excitement that fans normally feel prior to a brand new campaign. All is not well at Arsenal and if Wenger fails to strengthen obviously weak areas of the team again, the end may well be nigh for the legendary Frenchman.

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