Life’s a Pitch: New faces at Arsenal this summer?

We may still be in winter’s grip, but already football fans are looking longingly towards a summer transfer window four months away. Especially teams with much to improve on after a disappointing campaign – those who feel an injection of better quality players will see their fortunes change.

High on this list of supporters eager to shuffle their pack are Arsenal. And while Arsène Wenger is notoriously prudent when it comes to buying new players, the fans are clamouring for an overhaul of the squad – with a new defensive midfielder, central defender and striker high on their wish list.

Players linked with summer moves to the Gunners include Toulouse midfield enforcer Étienne Capoue , strong Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Find out if the Life’s a Pitch pundits expect these moves to come off.

Most Chelsea fans, meanwhile, are happy with the quality of players at their club’s disposal – something which can’t be said of manager Rafa Benítez. In fact, there are some players they feel actually don’t get the credit they deserve, namely holding midfielder Mikel John Obi. Jonathan Wilson shares this view, as he outlined why the Nigerian is one of the Premier League’s most underrated players.

And not only do Chelsea have a squad packed with internationals, they also have 23 players out on loan. And as Mike Calvin explained, the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Thibault Courtois and Nat Chalobah are all ready to start challenging for a spot in the first team from next season.

Across the capital at Tottenham, the halo above man-of-the-moment Gareth Bale shows no sign of dimming with the Welshman scoring eight goals in the past six games, including four winning strikes. Form so blistering the Life’s a Pitch pundits wondered whether it’s merely hastening his departure to either Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Elsewhere, with Ryan Giggs about to reach the milestone of 1,000 matches for Manchester United, Mike Calvin wrote why the veteran deserves all the praise he gets.

Expert pundit videos

Capoue to Arsenal, Man Utd eye Son, Isco off to Chelsea?

Are Capoue, Son and Isco set to arrive in the Premier League this summer? The Life’s a Pitch team give their verdict.
Transfer talk >

Reina to Arsenal, Liverpool eye Al-Habsi and Biglia

The Life’s a Pitch team cast their collective eye over three slices of juicy transfer speculation.
On the move? >

Amorebieta to Arsenal, City eye Fellaini, Reds want Williams?

Are Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool chasing these three star players for next season? The Life’s a Pitch team give their verdicts…
Key targets >

“Bale too good to play at Spurs for the rest of his career”

Is Gareth Bale’s scintillating form merely hastening his departure from White Hart Lane? The Life’s a Pitch team take a look.
Man of the moment >

Lively opinion blogs

About time Mikel got the recognition he deserves

Jonathan Wilson explains why Chelsea midfield enforcer Mikel John Obi is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.
Underrated >

Chelsea loan stars earning a shot at the Blues’ first team

Mike Calvin outlines the impressive progress that Chelsea players Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Nat Chalobah have made out on loan.
On the way up >

Giggs deserves all the plaudits as he hits 1,000-game mark

Mike Calvin puts forward the reasons why Ryan Giggs will be worthy of all the accolades when he notches up his 1,000th game for Manchester United.
Longevity >

Fruitless campaign gives Rodgers chance to fine-tune Reds

With silverware and the top four now out of reach, Brendan Rodgers has the perfect opportunity to refine his squad ahead of next season, says Scott Murray.
Opportunity knocks >

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