Arsenal's ambitions next season will be plain for all to see with news that Wenger is very close to agreeing to the signings of both Olivier Giroud and Yann M'Vila.
The double French swoop by Wenger signals to Arsenal fans and in particular, the club captain Robin van Persie who is still considering his future with the club, that a title fight next season will be a realistic ambition.
Added fire-power in Giroud who joins Lukas Podolski in Arsenal's attacking ranks, as well as an assured defensive midfielder to shield the back four in the very talented Yann M'Vila will further push Van Persie for a decision on his future this summer with clubs reportedly interested in persuading him away.
M'Vila's signing would go some way to address the issue of conceding goals, solidifying the shape of Arsenal with his strength in the tackle and fantastic work-rate. He would be the protector of the back-four which last season conceded the most goals inside the top four of the League (49), and can also contribute to attacks, with impressive vision to set up breaks.
As I have addressed in previous articles on M'Vila, the 21 year-old is very mature for his age, both on and off the field, and has received plaudits for his excellent footballing characteristics, with the former French national team manager Raymond Domenech noticing that
"his choices, his positioning and his distribution belonged to someone much older, more experienced."A number of clubs have been interested in his signature from across Europe, with Manchester United previously linked, as well as Real Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus. If Arsenal can complete this signing, it would be a sure sign of improvement and stability at the club.
Olivier Giroud will obviously add a different dimension to the Arsenal set-up. He is a 25 year-old striker who was prolific for Montpellier last season, scoring 25 goals as well as assisting 9, helping his side to win the League - something Arsenal will certainly hope he can emulate in England. It is thought he would cost £12.8 million due to a reported release clause in his contract, despite his club valuing him at £37.2 million more.
Montpellier manager Rene Girard has said that not only is the player keen to move to England, but Arsenal are leading the chase with Wenger negotiating with Montpellier's club president:
"Arsenal are very interested and Giroud wants to play in England, if Arsene agrees with the president, he will sign for them."
The deal looks to be near enough done, and Arsenal fans can begin to consider a front three of Podolski, Giroud and Van Persie next season, as can the Premier League's opposition defenders. More goals scored and less conceded whilst winning games is the aim for Arsenal, and to win some silverware will most likely come along the way. Is it enough for van Persie though?
