In our opening two games we have struggled with performance. The creativity has been non existent and we've been abysmal in the final third. In fact, against Udinese there seemed to be a massive area just where Fabregas would usually be roaming.
In our 4-2-3-1 formation the player in the middle of the "3" carries a massive burden to create chance after chance, but they also get a lot of freedom too. Right now, Ramsey has not looked good enough to carry this burden for a whole season and Rosicky looks miles away form any kind of form, so here are 10 possible candidates to replace our departed captain. That is of course if Wenger will ever spend any money.
Juan Manuel Mata - The little Spaniard is my ideal choice, he's not too young but will relish the opportunity to play in the Premier League and has shown for Spain and in La Liga what he is capable. After David Silva's (how I'd love him at Arsenal) exit from Valencia, Mata took up the creative responsibilities from the wing and central positions and ended last season with 9 goals and 15 assists.
We seem to have left this deal a bit too late though, as Chelsea seem interested and his price has risen due to the expiration of a buy out clause. We have enough money though, and £25 million for Mata would be a shrewd investment by Wenger.
Eden Hazard - Fresh from winning the double with Lille last season, Eden is one of the promising bunch of player emerging from Belgian at the moment. The 20 year old was brilliant last year, and can influence the team from out wide or through the middle.
He is fast and deceptively strong, with great skills and finishing too. His attributes and technique have led to countless comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo, and Hazard looks destined for a long, successful career at the top of European football. One flaw in his transfer though is that there are rumours of an agreement not to buy Eden this summer between Arsenal and Lille, which was made during the negotiations over Gervinho. Hopefully that was just speculation though and that Arsene can spend the 20 odd million to secure Hazard.
Jadson - Jadson is another player who has been linked a lot with Arsenal recently, and the Shakhtar man would suit Arsenal's play perfectly. The 5ft 6in Brazilian has been excellent whilst in Ukraine and plays a similar role there to what Cesc plays at Arsenal. He is versatile too and can play anywhere across midfield whilst is capable of scoring goals as his tally of 38 in 162 matches shows.
The little man has even played a lot for Brazil, but is keen on a transfer to one of Europe's "big leagues" to start playing regularly for the national side. At under £10million Jadson would be a good buy, but would take a while to settle in to English football.
Mario Gotze - The German Messi, is the latest talent from Deutschland to get the world excited. Mario was brilliant last season in helping his club Dortmund to the German title and his speed and technical ability make him one of the best players in the German league. In his first full season last year he scored 8 goals and contributed 15 assists, and is well on the way to improving that tally with one goal and one assist in his two matches this season.
It is understood that Gotze is happy at Dortmund right now, and is ready to play in the Champions League with them this year, but with the money we now have available we are in a good position to tempt the 5ft 9in 19 year old to North London.
Marvin Martin - Another great talent from France and he could potentially be leading the line for Les Bleus in the 2012 championships. Marvin or the "little Xavi" as he is referred to has excellent vision and passing ability and is improving all the time. He stepped up last season for his club Sochaux by getting a league topping 17 assists as well as 4 goals.
Marvin would be another cheaper option and would love to join the French players at Arsenal and would be available for under 12 million. He may take time to mature but could compete with another signing for the place vacated by Cesc and Nasri.
Youann Gourcuff - Youann seems to be a forgotten man in football, apart from the mind of Chamakh who still remains his good friend after their days together at Bordeaux. After a £15million move to Lyon last summer, he only managed 4 goals and 5 assists and couldn't help Lyon secure the title.
The 25 year old still posses excellent technique and skill on the ball though and is probably about to hit his prime. After not succeeding at Milan, Youann would be determined to show his worth at the highest level and I don't think a move to Arsenal is out of the question, especially with Chamakh's links to the attacking midfielder. A 15-20 million pounds move is unlikely though.
Alan Dzagoev - The CSKA Moscow player has been regarded as Russia most exciting young talent and has shown his worth for club and country already. Last season he achieved 8 goals and 10 assists and this season he's got 1 goal and 5 assists in his 20 matches. He has been capped for Russia 14 times and is known for his intelligence on the field, and well as leadership qualities too.
His passing is capable of winning matches in any league and Dzagoev looks likely to have a long career. Maybe at Arsenal...
Willian - Willian is another star for Shakhtar and is equally adept on the wing or in attacking midfield. His pace,skill and exuberance were cast around Europe as his 2 goals helped defeat Roma last season.
Having played almost 200 games already, Willian has experience of someone much older than his 23 years. He may not be the most desired option at the Emirates, but he is better than Rosicky.
Douglas Costa - The previous Man Utd target has been worth every penny since his 6 million euro switch to Shakhtar in 2010. The 20 year old attacking midfielder/winger has scored 12 times in his 57 matches since the switch to Ukraine and was linked to Arsenal earlier in the summer in a swap deal for Denilson.
Shakhtar didn't want the now Sao Paulo player though, but are interested in selling if the right money comes along.
Hernanes - Hernanes was the best signing in Serie A last year for Lazio. The 25 year old Brazilian playmaker helped contribute to the attacking football on show throughout the league and his passing was a joy to behold.
He ended up scoring 10 goals in his 28 matches and was worth the 11.1 million euros Lazio paid for him. He is now worth closer to 25 million euros but would be a great addition to Arsenal's midfield.
Who do you think we should sign? Are these players good enough to replace Cesc? How many of these players should we get? Leave a comment on your opinion.
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