Despite the youth policy of Wenger being considered by many supporters as a failure, Arsene Wenger has first ensured that he has signed some quality youth players before moving on to sign some experienced players to bolster the squad. Skysports news have confirmed that Arsenal have completed the signing of Barcelona youth player Hector Bellerin, who will follow another La Masia product, Jon Miquel Toral, to England.
It was reported by the Mirror and in other papers that Arsenal were leading the chase to sign forward Bellerin and the signing of another La Masia player could infuriate FC Barcelona, who are currently making use of Arsenal's training facilities in order to prepare for the Champions League final against Manchester United.
Wenger had signed Cesc Fabregas, Fran Merida and Ignasi Miquel as youngsters who had come through the La Masia, and Toral and Bellerin will hope that they can fulfill their potential at Arsenal. The French manager has developed a number of young players into world class players and believes in the long term stability of the club.
Though the Gunners need to sign some experienced players, the signings of Hector Bellerin and Jon Miquel Toral could prove to be important in the future. It is certain that Barcelona will not be happy with Arsenal signing two promising youngsters from their academy but a €1 million compensation is the maximum that Arsenal would need to pay the Spanish club.
In other transfer news, it is reported in the Mirror that Arsenal are interested in Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing along with Liverpool. Downing has confirmed that he will not renew his contract with Villa and with two years left on his deal, the club could sell the winger to get the maximum price. The Englishman has aspirations of playing in the Champions League football and is looking for a club which can offer him a chance to play in the competition in the future.
The left-footed Downing could be targeted as a replacement for Andrei Arshavin, who has been linked with an exit from Arsenal. Though the Villa winger is currently being tracked by both Arsenal and Liverpool, the Gunners hold the advantage that they can offer him Champions League football while Liverpool are firmly on the road to recovering their place amongst the top four clubs in the Premiership.
Downing is a good crosser of the ball and also possesses good technique and composure on the ball. At the age of 26, he is entering the peak years of his career and could be a valuable addition to the Gunners. Though he is not as creative as the Russian, he is more direct in his approach and is a natural wide player unlike Arshavin.
Many Arsenal fans are divided on whether Downing will be a good signing for the Gunners and though the Gunners have been linked to various other wingers including the likes of Gervinho and Eden Hazard, Downing's experience in the Premiership could be vital and he does need any time to adjust to the physicality of the league.
Arsene Wenger will look to bolster his squad by signing some talented youngsters like Carl Jenkinson and some experienced players who can provide quality depth to the team. Downing can play on both wings and also as a central midfielder and his versatility could be important to the Gunners. He will be valued around €15 million but with Wenger ready to offload many frustrated players, he should have the funds to make some new signings.
With many clubs looking to strengthen in the summer, the Gunners will have to strengthen in many areas if they are to have a good chance of winning the title. Though Wenger has been stubborn and frugal in the past, he will have to make excellent signings which could help them win titles in the 2011-12 season.
This article is also featured on The Invincible Gunners, a blog on Arsenal and also, you can follow me on Twitter.
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