ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS: Hazard, Kagawa, Dempsey... 8 Players To Boost The Gunners’ Creativity [SLIDESHOW]
As Arsenal labored to a dour 0-0 tie with Chelsea at the weekend, it was stark just how pronounced the Gunners' struggles were in breaking down their London rivals' stubborn defense. While much attention has focused on Arsenal's soft underbelly, little has been made of the creative void left by the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri that has yet to be filled.
Mikel Arteta's absence on Saturday may have partly explained why the team's passing was so poor, but the squad clearly needs strengthening to spark the side into life when things may not be going their way.
Much hope has been put on the shoulders of Aaron Ramsey, but the Welshman's performance against the Blues embodied his struggles in the second half of the season. Similarly, though Tomas Rosicky has returned to some kind of form in the previous few months, a succession of injuries mean he is still a distant shadow of the star whom Arsenal signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2006.
Even after the expected return of Jack Wilshere following his long injury, it is clear that creative reinforcement is needed at the Emirates. Here, then, are a collection of players who could turn a game for Arsenal and provide the ammunition for Robin van Persie next season.