Summer Signings Report Card: Arsenal and Chelsea

Shifting focus to the Premier League now, today's post is about Arsenal and Chelsea's transfer dealings. Both of them were rumored to spend big and names like Ribery and Aguero were thrown about. Let's see how good their dealings were:

Arsenal:

1. Thomas Vermaelen: The Arsenal squad was crying out for some experience in defense and Wenger brings in a 24 year old kid who played in the Dutch league? Many said that this was evidence that Wenger had finally gone nuts. But, as usual, there is no fooling Wenger's keen eye for talent. Vermaelen has been a sensation this season. He has fitted into the backline as if he was always there and is the leading goalscoring defender. Tall and strong, with a no-nonsense approach, this signing is typically "Arsene'.

Overall Grade: A+, everything that you want a transfer to be- cheap, effective and complete.

2. Sol Campbell: Some would say that Wenger did bring in experience in the team in the form of this signing. It was quite a coincidence that Campbell was training with Arsenal when an injury crisis struck them and he was signed on. Now, this guy is 35 and he was never known for his pace even in his best days. His is still technically good and that is the only salvaging bit about this transfer.

Overall Grade: B-, somewhat effective, but it's quite early to judge the full impact that he will have.

Chelsea:

1. Yuri Zhirkov: A costly signing at 18M pounds and primarily a left back, many felt it was a bit too much for a backup. Not only that, he was a player who deserved more than a backup role. A few injuries have limited his appearances, though Ancelotti's tactics have seen him play everywhere along the left side of the ground. Quick and an excellent crosser, his skills were never in doubt but the question remains as to the lack of opportunities for him. He's made only 11 appearances this season and as such failed to make an impact.

Overall Grade: B-, again his effectiveness is in question, but he can prove me wrong.

2. Daniel Sturridge: A controversial transfer (Chelsea must be used to those by now), this highly rated English youngster cam from the stables of Manchester City and has had a fair run in the Chelsea first team too. After a total of 15 appearances so far this season, he has scored 4 goals for his new team. He was voted the Best Young Player at City and everyone agrees that the kid is talented. We have all seen talented youngsters lose their way if they join a big club, let's hope this one isn't.

Overall grade: B, cannot rate him on effectiveness, but a youngster is always a welcome addition to the ageing Chelsea squad.

Who replaces Adebayor??

I never really liked Adebayor. I think he was overrated, way too languid and plain stupid ( he compared himself to Henry remember??? ). Not only that, I feel quite a few Arsenal fans would also be happy to see his back. He was reportedly signed for 25m pounds, which is quite a lot of money even in this year's market, so Arsenal fans are right to expect an able replacement.

Let's see the players being linked to the Emirates

1. Marouane Chamakh

The most rumored transfer is that of this 25 year old French (yes) striker from Bordeaux. He is tall (6'2") , strong and seems like an exact replacement for the Togonator (that is such a lame nickname) only that Chamakh is said to have a higher work rate. He scored 14 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for the French outfit which is nowhere near impressive, combine it with the fact that he was (is?) a target for Sunderland and Blakburn, he doesn't seem good enough to be a leading hitman for a team with Premier League ambitions (i hope Arsenal still have those or Man City will have to be included in the Top four).

2.Andre Pierre Gignac

Though there have not been any rumors linking him to Arsenal, this guy is a perfect fit for Arsene Wenger's transfer policy. Young (23), French and unproven on the big stage (:P). But this lad has all the makings of a top player.

Last season he finished the League top scorer, won player of the month for September and March, nominated for player of the year and selected for league team of the year. The stumbling block would be the high price quoted by Toulouse for him.

3. Klaas Jan Huntelaar

Part of the Madrid exodus and linked with numerous clubs, I have always held him in high regard. His goal scoring exploits for Ajax are well known and he has been a consistnt player for the national side as well. He scored 8 goals in 20 apps for Madrid but that is a commendable performance considering he was usualy brought on as a sub. The Hunter is normally criticised for his lack of pace but even a certain van Nistelrooy was not pacey and we all know how successful he was in the Premeirship. I believe this is THE best option that Wenger has.

4. Obafemi Martins

Now that Newcastle is relegated and the fact that Wenger once (maybe long back) praised the Nigerian, the tabloids believe he is the one to replace Ade. Well, for one he too is African and so is strong and pacy. He was down with an injury for most part of the season, and when fit was third choice to Owen and Viduka, but still managed 8 goals in 20 apps. Not very likely, but well stranger things have happened.

5. No new signing

Now we all know Wenger's obsession to create an Arsenal's class of sometime (on the lines of ManUtd's class of 95) and as such he has Bendtner and Vela in his squad. This seems to be the most likely course of action and these two will be used to fill Ade's gap. Bendtner is rubbish, worse than Adebayor, but Vela has shown glimpses of quality though he still has to improve.

What do you think............