By David Hamill

 

The belief Arsene Wenger has in his youthful squad remains about as unshakeable as Mark Hughes’ hand but even the Emirates boss – notoriously reluctant to dip into the transfer market – has admitted he will have to try and bolster his Arsenal side in January.   There is no doubt promising talent is emerging through the club’s ranks with a real emphasis on the technical side but the hidings inflicted by Chelsea and Manchester City exposed the frailties that still exist.   A Premier League title challenge will almost certainly remain out of reach, while the weight of expectancy to land their first trophy in four years still looms after they were emphatically beaten in the Carling Cup.

Wenger decided to play a weakened team at City despite being only one game away from the semi-finals because he felt the only way his youngsters can improve is by playing against experience, but if they are to learn from the their mistakes and prove to be a success in the long term they will need the support of one or two additions.

With Robin van Persie sidelined for five months at least, a striker is a must but getting quality at the right price in January, when clubs are reluctant to sell their best players, is a problem.

Edin Dzeko, a prolific striker in the Bundesliga for Wolfsburg and someone who has made an impression in this year’s Champions League would be welcome but just as Andrey Arshavin was last season, the Bosnian international would be cup-tied for Europe.

Whoever is brought in to replenish the lost goals from Van Persie shouldn’t detract from the other areas in the squad that need strengthening. An unstable defence is not helped by the fact that the Gunners don’t have a top-class keeper. Fabianski has been tried as an alternative to Manuel Almunia and could well be one for the future but the Pole is definitely not at the required level at the moment.

The Gunners were back to winning ways against Stoke on Saturday and the current side will usually have enough to overcome most sides. But providing a stronger backbone will allow the team’s flair to flourish without the fear of being bullied by more powerful opposition.