Despite an improved showing this season, Arsenal’s young guns' challenge for silverware faded in the latter part of the campaign, leaving the club trophy-less for the third consecutive year.

Arsene Wenger has insisted his aim is to keep this squad together with some quality additions arriving in the summer. Those plans already seem in pieces with Mathieu Flamini and Jens Lehmann already gone and Aleksandr Hleb’s agent claiming his client is on the move within the next two weeks.

In my opinion, the squad needs strengthening in the following areas: Manuel Almunia has had a solid season but with only the young Lukasz Fabianski as back-up, the Gunners now need an experienced ‘keeper to keep him on his toes. Jussi Jaaskelainen of Bolton Wanderers would fit the bill.

'One quality player is needed in the striking department to back up Emmanuel Adebayor, as Eduardo's future is obviously uncertain'


Of the defenders, Phillipe Sendoros has now had numerous opportunities to stake a claim for a regular place but despite being an honest and hard-working player, his tendency for lapses of concentration has cost the team on a number of occasions and I feel the time has come for him to go. Alexandre Song has shown with his performances at the African Nations Cup and the closing Premier league fixtures that he is capable of stepping up to the first team if required.

One of the mysteries of the season to many Arsenal fans is the regular appearance of Emmanuel Eboue on the right side of midfield. Wenger’s reluctance to play Theo Walcott from the start and Tomas Rosicky’s persistent injury problems haven’t helped but I fail to see what Eboue brings to the team. With poor distribution, wild shooting and the frustrating histrionics whenever an opponent has the temerity to tackle him, the best I think he should hope for is as back-up to the excellent Bacary Sagna at right back.

With Flamini gone, a central midfield place is up for grabs, Gilberto could slot back in but after the events of this season he may also look for pastures new and guaranteed first-team football. There are several young players waiting in the wings; Denilson, Song and Abou Diaby, but I would like to see an experienced player brought in such as Tim Cahill of Everton to add that bit of bite and a goal threat from the middle of the pitch. With reported transfer target Niko Kranjcar, returning loanees Kieran Gibbs and Mark Randall added to Walcott and a hopefully fit-again Rosicky, there should be plenty of competition for places in midfield.

One quality player is needed in the striking department to back up Emmanuel Adebayor, as Eduardo’s future is obviously uncertain and Robin Van Persie spends more time in the treatment room than on the pitch at present. My money would be on Newcastle’s Obafemi Martins or Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from Ajax.

Martins offers pace, power and an eye for the spectacular, ideal for Arsenal’s attacking style. Whilst Huntelaar is all about movement and deadly finishing in the box, just the man to finish off that intricate build-up play. With back-up coming from Nicklas Bendtner, Walcott and the young Mexican Carlos Vela.