West Ham’s owners laid it on the line for Sam Allardyce this summer. Attractive football, more goals and at least a top half finish in the table was demanded. After a season mostly of struggle last year, with the Hammers spending too much time fighting off relegation and eventually finishing in 13th place, the 2014/2015 campaign was in dire need of improvement.

However, with the introduction of no less than nine new recruits, including three strikers, aswell as former West Ham player Teddy Sheringham joining on board as an attacking coach, the Upton Park outfit have made a very promising start to the new campaign. Sitting pretty in eighth, scoring nine goals in five games in the process, Big Sam is certainly fulfilling the requirements ordered by David Gold and David Sullivan.

Well on course to achieve a top ten finish in the Premier League, the BHammers side have averaged 1.4 points per game so far, meaning they would finish the season on 53 points, a that would have put West Ham ninth last season. Goal scoring has also been impressive, scoring an average of 1.8 goals thus far, meaning if this form continues, West Ham would score 68 goals over 38 games, 28 goals more than last season.Only the top three clubs last season scored more than 68 goals.

This impressive form and goal scoring tally is being helped by West Ham’s two new strikers, Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho.

When you think of a West Ham striker under the stewardship of Big Sam you would think a strong target man. However, Valencia is the complete opposite. The forward, who can also play as a winger, is quick, strong, has an incredible leap and a powerful right foot to his name. The £12m signing started his career in his homeland with Emelec, before making the switch to Mexican outfit Pachuca in January this year, where in just 17 outings he scored 12 goals. Valencia, who scored three goals in the World Cup in Brazil aswell as a goal in friendly against England, finally came to everyone’s attention in the Hammers’ recent 2-2 draw away at Hull City, scoring a 25 yard screamer that was clocked at 61.2 mph. Valencia truly has the potential to cause problems with his latest strike partner, Diafra Sakho.

Sakho, a £3.5m signing from French outfit FC Metz, on evidence is not as eccentric as Valencia, but his instinct and class in front of goal is exactly why Allardyce gambled on signing the 24-year-old. Last season in Ligue 2, Sakho produced his best season as a player; scoring 20 goals in 36 appearances, helping his side lift the title, and was voted the Ligue 2 player of the year for 2013/2014. The 6”1 forward has already carried on his form since joining the Hammers, scoring three in four games in all competitions for the club. The Senegal international was a very similar signing to flop Modibo Maiga, which worried many associated with the club. However, after the fantastic previous season in France, Sakho has entered the best league in the world full of confidence and will surely score more important goals in the future.

In West Ham’s penultimate season at Upton Park, it’s very clear that both Gold and Sullivan are planning ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016/2017 season. Starting with player recruitment, the days of signing a ’34 year old’ forward for one season have firmly gone, and now the Hammers can look forward to the quality of both Valencia and Sakho in the future.

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In part due to inadequate defensive depth, Arenal’s 2014/15 Premier League title bid is already over.

Indeed, whilst 5 foot 10 full-back Nacho Monreal continues to deputise for the injured Laurent Koscielny at centre-half, the Gunners have thrown away nine points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, not to mention their three-goal capitulation against Anderlecht in the Champions League.

So instead of being within a win’s distance of Chelsea, Arsenal are now twelve points behind the undefeated league leaders.

Something simply doesn’t add up; Arsenal’s defensive frailties were tested enough times last term, yet the north Londoners entered the current campaign with one less defender, as Thomas Vermaelen, Carl Jenkinson and Bacary Sagna were replaced by only Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy.

Quiz Wenger on the issue and the same excuses emerge; ‘we already have the players capable’ or ‘there simply aren’t any available defenders out there’.

So to prove the Emirates boss could have easily addressed his squad’s defensive weaknesses this summer without breaking the bank, here’s FIVE signings he could have made for £10million or less – in fact, some involve no transfer fee at all.

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TOBY ALDERWEIRELD (loan)

Having fallen by the wayside at Vincente Calderon last season as Atletico Madrid launched a surprise coup for the La Liga title whilst simultaneously reaching the Champions League final, Southampton snapped up disillusioned defender Toby Alderweireld this summer on a one-year loan.

The Belgium international, who comes with a preceding reputation from his six seasons at Ajax, winning three consecutive Eredivisie titles under Frank de Boer, has already put in a number of strong displays for the Saints, who currently boast the best defensive record in the Premier League.

That’s certainly not all down to the 6 foot 2 centre-back, but his form has been consistent as regular partner to Jose Fonte:

It makes you wonder what Arsenal were up to while the Alderweireld deal was going on, having been strongly linked to the 25 year-old before he moved to Spain in summer 2013 and again in January this year after admitting his desire to leave the Mattress Makers.

Famed for his versatility, being capable of playing anywhere across the back four, the now-Southampton star would have been the perfect signing to cover for injured French duo Mathieu Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny. Here’s a clip of Alderweireld in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/RFL2-xH2cis?rel=0

FABIAN SCHAR

Statistically speaking, FC Basel prodigy Fabian Schar was the best defender in the Champions League last season:

He comes with an impressive and intoxicating front-footed presence too, a style reminiscent of Jan Vertonghen’s that would have suited the Gunners perfectly. Here’s a clip of Schar in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/ZpiVFCUXbz0?rel=0

And a wonder-goal from his FC Wil days, because, why not?

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It appears Arsenal could be lining up a January bid for the £10million-rated centre-back:

But they could have signed him for precisely that sum during the summer and due to the Gunners’ lack of defensive depth this season, their title bid is already over.

ALEX SONG (loan)

Clearly Arsene Wenger had no interest in re-signing former Gunner Alex Song this summer on a season-long loan, instead surrendering that privilege to West Ham, but it’s difficult to understand why.

Not only is the Cameroon international well acquainted with Arsenal’s unique style of play – bagging twelve assists in his final season at the Emirates and coming second in the Player of the Year award to top-scorer Robin van Persie – but he would have added vital variety to the north London outfit’s midfield, in addition to extra cover at centre-half. Here’s a look at Song in action for the Gunners:

//www.youtube.com/embed/Dgw0H1KA-XI?rel=0

The holding midfield role has been a real problem for Arsenal this season, with Mikel Arteta clearly on the decline and Mathieu Flamini hopelessly out of form, but the 6 foot 2 Song would have been perfect for it – at least until next summer.

Furthermore, the 27 year-old’s availability had been well documented for some time, having made just 39 league appearances – the majority as a substitute – during his two full seasons with parent club Barcelona.

Instead, he’s spending the season with the Hammers, adding vital physicality and quality to their midfield as the East London sit two places above Arsenal in fourth. Here’s a look at his stats this term compared to the Gunners’ other central midfield options:

JOLEON LESCOTT

Now 32 years of age and having made 227 appearances in the Premier League, at this point, we all know the strengths and weaknesses of Joleon Lescott.

The occasional England international can be clumsy, especially in possession, and often looked a bit out of his depth when representing the Three Lions, or Manchester City in Europe.

But the now-West Bromwich Albion man has forged a Premier League-winning centre-back partnership with Vincent Kompany before and is famed for his consistency when it comes to the nuts and bolts of the defensive trade; tackles, interceptions, headers and positioning.

Furthermore, former club Manchester City let him leave the Etihad on a free transfer last summer, which the Baggies wasted no time in taking advantage of.

Experienced, proven and impeccably reliable, Lescott would have been perfect back-up to Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielney, even if for the duration of the current season alone. Here’s how Lescott’s form has compared to Arsenal’s centre-backs this term:

Rather tellingly, West Brom have kept three clean sheets out of a possible seven with the Premier League veteran in the side this season, compared to just one without him.

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And for those of you keen on nostalgia, here’s the highlights from Lescott’s legendary 2007/08 campaign at Everton, where netted ten times across all competitions:

//www.youtube.com/embed/xm49e-plhow?rel=0

Stefan de Vrij

Following an impressive World Cup campaign with the Netherlands, where he was statistically the best defender at the tournament:

..Lazio wasted no time this summer in striking up a £7million deal for former Feyenoord defender Stefan de Vrij.

And the 22 year-old is already proving to be quite the revelation in Serie A as Le Aquile lay sixth in the Italian table, averaging an impressive 3.5 interceptions per match:

Young, versatile and clearly talented, the Dutch international would have slotted in to the natural hierarchy of Arsenal’s squad, providing competition for Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny and extra cover at right-back.

De Vrij is already proving to be one of the best deals of summer 2014, but once again, Arsenal were nowhere to be seen as the 6 foot 3 centre-back swapped the Eredivisie for Italy. Here’s a look at de Vrij in action:

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Angel Di Maria has been excellent since his move to Manchester United, and with three goals and six assists in his 10 league appearances he’s quickly becoming the best of the bunch at Old Trafford. However that hasn’t stopped the rumours that LVG is willing to let him depart to PSG to fuel a move for preferred signing Marco Reusof Dortmund. Di Maria cost United just short of £60m – a British transfer record whereas Reus has a release clause of £20m. There’s profit to be made, which may be needed should The Red Devils fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Angel isn’t the only of LVG’s summer transfers who is rumoured to be leaving. Ander Herrera was another pricey signing for Van Gaal costing £29m. Yet the Spaniard has made just five appearances so far for The Red Devils. He has managed to score twice in his limited chances, but at almost £30m he’s a very expensive substitute, especially when there is not enough defenders to go around.

The signing of Radamel Falcao was perhaps the most bizarre from LVG. With Rooney, RVP & Welbeck in the squad LVG ditched the young ‘Welbz’ and brought in Falcao for a season-long loan for a fee of £6m and a weekly wage of £350,000, as reported by The Mirror. A very expensive player who had only recently returned from a long spell out with a knee injury. The gamble hasn’t worked thus far with the Colombian international, who has made the same amount of appearances as Herrera but scored a goal less. Of course after initially signing on a one-year loan, he was always expected to return to Monaco at the end of the season. But United do have an option to sign the 28-year-old for a fee of £43m – unlikely to happen if his current struggles continue, that’s for sure.

So that’s three of Man United’s most recent summer signings who may all possibly be straight out at the next opportunity. Is it safe to say that Louis Van Gaal got his first transfer window with The Red Devils wrong? For a start he’s doing worse than David Moyes, not great ay?! Angel Di Maria has been a revalation but when you spend a British transfer record that’s the least you expect. his stats are impressive, but seemingly not worth £60m to Van Gaal on second thought.

Man United are a team in transition since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. David Moyes took the brunt of the abuse and now Van Gaal has an easier ride. Therefore there’s increasingly less attention from the media on the Dutchman’s shortcomings. He’s doing well enough by Moyes’ standards, but like Moyes he’s miles off Sir Alex’s performances. There’s no doubting that every manager makes mistakes in relation to transfers, but it’s not a great start by Van Gaal. A very expensive window and a not so successful one so far. There is one positive though, at least he appears to be a manger who is willing to accept that he has made mistakes.

Whether there’s any truth in the various rumours only time will tell, but at least he didn’t spend £27m on Marouane Fellaini. Every cloud.

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Without Sergio Aguero, Man City lack that spark

Anyone would miss a striker with 30 Premier League goals in his last 33 games in the top flight, however, a squad with City’s aspirations shouldn’t be totally dependant on one footballer. When Aguero went off injured, it was clear City lacked any drive or impetus and, if it wasn’t for the penalty, they might never have taken the lead.

Everton are going backwards

Under David Moyes tenure, the Toffees established themselves us a top seven team. Then, when Roberto Martinez took over at Goodison Park, Everton kicked on again and ran Arsenal very close for fourth spot with many expecting Martinez’s side to go one step further this season. However, all isn’t right with Everton at the moment, and they need to sort things out and fast.

Premier League title race is very much alive

At the end of the day, it is a results-based business and Man City are now just three points behind Chelsea even if the Citizens’ performance against Everton wasn’t the most impressive.

Since wowing fans in Belgium as a young teenage striking sensation, Romelu Lukaku was expected to take the footballing world by storm with his brutal nature in the opposition’s third and cool composure in front of goal. The Anderlecht star eventually signed for Chelsea in a big money move that saw many deem the strong centre-forward as the ‘new Didier Drogba’ down at Stamford Bridge.

A disappointing lack of game time with the Blues, however, led to loan spells at West Brom and Everton. Despite Lukaku impressing in both, the striker never established himself as a starter with Chelsea. Many saw Jose Mourinho’s loss as Roberto Martinez’ gain, but as he cost the Toffees in the region of £28 million, some of the more pessimistic voices within the footballing community have already labelled Lukaku as a flop.

In light of such developments, should Everton think twice in the future about breaking their transfer record and putting all their eggs in one basket? Or should the The Toffees keep the faith with the Belgian starlet?

When analysing Everton’s powerful No. 10 and what he can offer in the Premier League; it is important to remember that Lukaku is still only 21-years-old. The former Chelsea man is more than capable of developing his game in the next few years. Already a bustling presence up front, the Belgian international can still improve technically and positionally in order to really become a formidable star of English football.

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For all those who have said that he has not lived up to expectations this season, Romelu Lukaku would still likely get into most team’s starting XI’s in the Premier League. It could even be argued that Chelsea could still have a use for the Belgian striker, who would be more than willing to test Diego Costa’s ability to hold down a starting place under Jose Mourinho this year. Whilst this has been far from a vintage season for Lukaku, the Everton man has still recorded an impressive 10 goals this campaign, with a lot more likely to come if the team can improve in the second half of the season.

Although the Toffees have been somewhat struggling of late, Everton fans can lay little blame at the feet of Lukaku, whose scoring boots have in fact been more firmly on than many of those around him. Roberto Martinez has had the added pressures of Europa League football to deal with, an ageing squad and the much famed ‘honeymoon period’ very much coming to an end.

That said, Romelu Lukaku hasn’t exactly looked dangerous in every game he has played this season, and as his World Cup in Brazil was certainly one to forget. Martinez needs to make sure he gets the most out of his main man if Everton are to have a better second half of the season than they did the first. On several occasions this campaign, the former Everton loanee has lacked a bit of sharpness, not been as mobile as Toffees fans know he can be, and verged on the predictable.

However, the big Belgian star doesn’t deserve the criticism he has received from some quarters this year. The former Anderlecht favourite still has everything going for him, and as he is remains only 21-years-old, there is every chance the £28 million will one day be considered a bargain.

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Five Championship matches without a win has left Fulham just five points above the relegation zone in 19th position. They failed to open up a comfortable gap when they were held to a goalless draw away to 22nd placed Millwall on Saturday, adding more pressure on their chances of remaining in England’s second tier.

Kit Symons’ men have an extremely tough run in, as their next four matches are against top eight opposition, and poor results in those games could lead to a whole heap of trouble for the Cottagers.

Although Symons has managed to revitalise Fulham since taking over in September from the hopeless Felix Magath, recent performances have been below par and it is up to the experienced members of the squad to claw Fulham away from danger before it’s too late.

It has been a tough past 18 months or so for the club, with 2014 frankly being a nightmare from start to finish. Fulham were relegated back to the Championship for the first time since 2001 and, under manager Felix Magath, things went from bad to worse.

Other than failing to keep a competent squad in the Premier League, poor management was the cause for Fulham’s terrible start to life in the Championship. They lost the first four matches of the season and Magath was finally sacked before Fulham won a league game at the ninth time of asking, against Birmingham.

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Under Kit Symons, the club have won 11 times in 31 matches, which at one point was enough to take them up to mid-table and around ten points off a play-off place. But that dream has disappeared fast, and Fulham are now becoming involved in a relegation dogfight. With that being said, there should be enough quality to survive with plenty of Premier League experience in the squad.

Captain Scott Parker has spent the majority of his career in the top flight and was starting to become an England regular as recent as 2013, which is when he won his last cap for the Three Lions. Parker is exactly the type of player you would want in a relegation battle, as he is someone who will give his all for the team and has the quality to help the side survive.

Fulham managed to keep hold of Hugo Rodallega in the summer and he has chipped in with ten league goals to date. It was only a couple of years ago when many pundits were rating the Colombian’s ability highly, but his career has stalled since. But a very talented player, he has the ability that more than matches most in the division and Fulham are lucky to have him still at the club.

£11million summer signing Ross McCormack hasn’t quite lived up to his price tag but has also managed ten goals this season and will still prove a vital part in keeping Fulham’s head above water. The 28-year-old managed 28 goals for Leeds last season and is a player that is certainly too good to be involved in a relegation scrap.

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Then there is Bryan Ruiz, who still remains at the club, and is another player many would deem to be of better quality than the Championship.

With these four key players you would have to say Fulham should have enough to stay up but with the second worst defensive record in the division and tough games to follow, anything could happen with this unpredictable team.

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The Premier League is home to some of the world’s finest players. Eden Hazard, Alexis Sanchez, Sergio Aguero. There are a number of great players plying their trade in England who have the ability to turn the game in an instant.

And while these stars often receive plenty of praise – and rightly so – there are some equally influential players that often fall under the radar. They may not be scoring every game or putting in that great bit of skill, but their effect and importance on the team is just as great.

These are the players whose performances often go unnoticed; until they make a mistake that is. There are some players it seems just can’t win over the fans. They fail to get the praise they deserve, and even worse, are heavily criticised for their ability at times.

But you only have to look at their time spent playing at the top level to see just how good they actually are, and what an important role they play in the success of their clubs.

Here are FIVE of the more high-profile Premier League stars who fall into the dreaded bracket of ‘underrated’:

Michael Carrick

You certainly can’t accuse Manchester United fans and coaching staff of undervaluing the role Michael Carrick plays at the club. The midfielder has been a vital part of the United team during his nine seasons at the club, helping them to the Champions League and numerous Premier League titles.

But despite his ability as one of the best in possession, he has failed to earn a regular spot in the England team, a huge loss for the national team when you consider what he has achieved at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney described him as the best player on the pitch against Italy on Tuesday, and it was hard to argue with that statement. Calm on the ball, Carrick is a vital link between defence and attack, and despite being 33, he looks to have plenty still to offer Roy Hodgson in the future.

While it finally appears he is receiving the accolades he deserves at international level, it’s a shame it has taken this long for it to come about.

James Milner

Manchester City midfielder James Milner is another player who can feel harshly done by at times. While many can recognise how valuable he is to the team, his work rate means his ability as a footballer often gets overlooked. But Milner is another who has won the Premier League title, and both times he played an important role in the team, highlighting how good he really is.

With his contract set to expire in the summer it appears his future lies away from the Etihad. Maybe then we will see just how much they will miss Milner. Manuel Pellegrini knows he will be losing a top midfielder but despite attempts to keep him at the club, a deal has yet to be agreed.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Chelsea full-back Cesar Azpilicueta played a big role in forcing Ashley Cole out of the side, and his assured and impressive performances again this season has cast doubt over the future of Filipe Luis after keeping him on the bench as well. A solid defender, the Spaniard has become a crucial part of the Chelsea back four, and it looks like just a matter of time before he gets his hands on his first Premier League title.

His simple yet effective approach to the game often means he gets overlooked, but his performances have been highlighted by the faith shown in him by his manager. He was left out of the recent Spanish squad however, a strange decision given just how well he is performing for his club.

Olivier Giroud

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud was hounded after his performance against Monaco in their first-leg Champions League defeat. After missing numerous opportunities, he drew criticism from all angles as the argument that Arsenal were lacking a ‘world-class striker’ was raised once more.

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However Giroud has been on a great run of form since then highlighting just how crucial he is to the Arsenal side and that he is the man to lead the line for the Gunners. He was awarded the player of the month award this week having scored six times since his Monaco nightmare with Arsenal now battling for second spot in the Premier League.

Giroud has a terrific goal record for Arsenal and certainly doesn’t warrant the criticism he gets when he has an off-day.

Jordan Henderson

Liverpool’s vice captain is clearly highly-rated by Brendan Rodgers who knows how important he will be for the club over the coming seasons with the imminent departure of Steven Gerrard. But somewhat unfairly, Henderson is often compared to the great man himself, meaning he too has his fair share of critics.

His work rate in the middle of the park is superb, but he is also continues to improve his all round game week after week with some fine displays and the odd great goal. It appeared he may not make the grade at Anfield after failing to impress upon arriving from Sunderland, but his improvement in recent seasons and the faith entrusted in him by his manager mean he is finally starting to receive the positive accolades he deserves.

The ever exciting saga of David De Gea’s potential move to Real Madrid has been addressed by his boss. He has made a handful of comments on the situation, none of which are very revealing, but he has said he is preparing for life without the Spanish ‘keeper. And it should be no surprise.

Firstly, why else has Louis Van Gaal signed Victor Valdes? Valdes joined back in January, and eased himself back into football after injury with the help of Van Gaal. But you do not bring in a player of Valdes’ calibre just for him to keep the bench warm.

Admittedly he has had very little impact on the current Premier League campaign, but if De Gea does go, there will already be an incredibly experienced goalkeeper waiting to fill his spot. The only issue with bringing in Valdes is his age. De Gea has improved massively yet he is still only 24-years-old, while Valdes is 33.

It should be no surprise that Louis Van Gaal is planning for life without one of his biggest players, even if it is fuelling rumours. Realistically, Van Gaal should be prepared to lose any of his players, whether they are vital to him or not.

At the end of the day, this is football. Loyalty does exist within the game but it is becoming harder and harder to find. If a player has ambitions to join another club, they will. If a club throws enough money at you, you will sign. Louis Van Gaal is just being a smart manager by preparing for the loss of De Gea to his United side.

Football is unpredictable, and you can only take what people say with a pinch of salt. Louis Van Gaal lining up replacements for De Gea does not necessarily mean the Spaniard is already gone. But it does not hurt to be prepared for when the day does come.

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They may not have shown it yesterday afternoon against Manchester United – a 1-1 draw in which the Gunners didn’t get going until the last half an hour – but Arsenal are a few signings short of a title-winning side. The only problem, however, is whether or not Arsene Wenger will make them this summer.

British punditry are fairly unanimous on what they think Arsenal need in the coming window – I too am largely in agreement. The intrinsic weaknesses lay in the spine of the team; particularly, at goalkeeper, central midfield and centre-forward. A top class centre-back – if we’re being idealistically greedy – can probably be thrown into the mix as well. That’s not a sleight at what the north Londoners already have, rather the objective acceptance that what Chelsea and Manchester City have is proven to be superior.

David Ospina has exceeded expectations since stepping in for Wojciech Szczesny as Arsenal’s No.1. But how much that’s down the Colombian international, or whether he’s simply been propelled from the coattails of the Gunners’ improved form since the turn of 2015, is open to interpretation.

And we’ve been here before with Gunners goalkeepers; Manuel Almunia was a stand-in for Jens Lehman before becoming first choice and Szczesny took the No.1 mantle from the Spaniard after a string of impressive Premier League displays. But neither were purchased as indisputable starters and a few seasons later both proved short of the required standard.

A top-class goalkeeper of undoubted Champions League quality could make all the difference. It’s impossible to quantify how many points a world-class goalkeeper adds to a Premier League campaign, but we can say for certain that an average one will comparatively add little.

Rhetoric from Wenger thus far, however, suggests he’s fairly pleased with his current goalkeeping options. He’s recently described Ospina, Szczesny and Damian Martinez as ‘three world-class goalkeepers’, whilst constantly batting away rumours linking the Emirates outfit with Chelsea’s Petr Cech.

Few managers head into press conferences dancing and singing about buying their alleged targets, purely due to the fact demand increases price, and the Blues appear particularly reluctant to let Cech join a direct divisional rival. But if we take Wenger’s words at face value, signing a new No.1 isn’t at the top of his summer agenda – in fact, it hasn’t entered his thoughts at all.

One area I’m almost certain the Gunners will strengthen, however, both figuratively and literally, is central midfield. Although Francis Coquelin has proved useful in adding a more defensive, sturdy and predictable dynamic to Arsenal’s engine room – allowing Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla to enact upon their more progressive urges – it still lacks the level of brutish physicality that can compete with Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic, Manchester City’s Yaya Toure or the Premier League’s other top enforcers.

With Mathieu Flamini’s contract set to expire this summer and Mikel Arteta moving further away from the playmaking influence he once was with every injury, it would constitute an unforgivable oversight if Wenger didn’t bring in a defensively-minded lump of brawn during the coming window.

Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin seems destined to move on after another impressive Premier League campaign, Sporting Lisbon have paved the way for William Carvalho’s departure after restructuring his third-party ownership agreement to ensure full profits from any sale, Sami Khedira will be leaving Real Madrid on a free contract and Monaco’s Geoffrey Kondogbia has received plenty of column inches in recent weeks – so it’s certainly not a question of availability. Even Bayern Munich’s forgotten man Javi Martinez, a towering battering ram who would also provide depth at centre-back, is a realistic possibility.

In terms of centre-forwards, however, I’m not so optimistic. Wenger’s perpetual faith in Olivier Giroud has only grown over the course of the season whilst, for whatever reason, he seems determined to prove Yaya Sanogos’ free transfer from Auxerre in summer 2013 is the smartest piece of business he’s ever done.

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Rather than going out and getting a Gonzalo Higuain – expected to leave Napoli due to their absence from the Champions League next season – a Christian Benteke, reportedly available for just £30million, or a Karim Benzema, who Real Madrid are allegedly going to flog for around £40million this summer, it’s more than likely Wenger will stick with what he has, hoping Sanogo can finally live up to the hype whilst Danny Welbeck continues to transform his industry into the occasional goal. Recently, he’s even declared Theo Walcott ready to play as an out-and-out front-man. So once again, a top class striking addition seems unlikely.

But the fact of the matter is that in the last five seasons, not one club have been named Premier League champions without their top scorer netting in excess of twenty goals. Diego Costa, only through injury, might prove to be a rare anomaly this term in a consistent Premier League trend. Giroud, meanwhile, has never scored more than 16 in his three top flight campaigns. Although Arsenal’s midfield offers more goals than most, the 28 year-old is not the talismanic match-winner the Gunners desperately need spearheading their attack.

So who will Arsene Wenger sign this summer? The growing concern is yet another attacking midfielder – or failing that, a rabble of young, undeveloped talent adding depth to an already overwhelming squad. For all of Arsenal’s progress over the last few months, their manager’s inability to be ruthless in the transfer market could once again hold them back.

This week the summer’s transfer business seems to have shifted up a gear with Manchester United splashing the cash on midfield reinforcements and Liverpool finally agreeing to allow Raheem Sterling to leave for Manchester City.

Big deals like these, either by their success or failure, continue to shape the fortunes of clubs at the top end of the table.

By contrast though, Abou Diaby was released by Arsenal this week. Had things worked out differently for the big Frenchman, the landscape of the Premier League might have been startlingly different over the last decade.

The most successful Arsenal team of Arsene Wenger’s tenure had club legend Patrick Vieira at it’s heart but it is now ten years since he moved on. Some would say that the Gunners have been one Vieira short of being title winners ever since. Diaby should have been that man.

The club finally drew a line under the gangly midfielder’s time in North London this week, with injuries having wrecked his career.

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Diaby arrived at Arsenal back in January of 2006 when the club was in the midst of it’s last season at Highbury. It was a modest fee of £2million, which was a sign of the times given the vast expenditure on the Emirates Stadium.

It was testament to his potential though, that he was able to choose between the Gunners and Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea at the time.

Diaby came oozing with youthful athleticism. He was a natural powerhouse, an effortless mover, a sharp passer and ultimately a Vieira in waiting.

He was just 20 when he left former club Auxerre for the Premier League brimming with potential.

Now though, nine years on, Wenger has finally been forced to let him go and will feel huge regret that he was only ever able to field the giant Frenchman 125 times during all those years.

The coach was quoted this week as saying it was one of his “saddest moments” being denied the opportunity to get the best out of Diaby. Wenger praised not only his natural ability but his attitude towards training and recovery stating “he didn’t deserve what he got”.

What he got was horrendous luck with injuries. He suffered an ankle break within four months of arriving at his new club causing him to miss the Champions League final in 2006.

Much of the following season was spent attempting to recover from three separate operations. A thigh injury then caused him to miss a large part of the 2007-08 campaign.

The pattern continued throughout his career in North London. Every time he returned to fitness and began to show his potential a fresh problem sidelined him again, including a nine-month layoff with anterior cruciate ligament damage in 2013.

Diaby, with 16 France caps to his name, has now finally seen his Arsenal dream end at the age of 29.

There is reported interest from MLS sides but it remains unclear where he will go to attempt to salvage a few years at the end of what should have been a glittering career. He has been robbed of the success that his talent should have brought him.

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Arsenal too, have been denied their next Vieira. Could Diaby have been the box-to-box phenomenon that would have converted so many top four finishes into genuine title challenges?

How different would the list of Premier League winners over the last decade have looked had fate not dealt him such a cruel hand?

Even Vieira himself no doubt wonders. The World cup winner said: “He could have reached an exceptional level. He is better than me, better on a technical level, a better dribbler and a better scorer too”.

Sadly Diaby was only ever able to show us glimpses of this. Maybe he can do it elsewhere in the next few years, but for Wenger, the search for another Vieira goes on.