What has Arsenal lost? Arguably the third best central midfielder in the world, behind Xavi and Iniesta (one wonders how Barcelona is going to line up this season), and the most effective midfielder in terms of assisting and scoring goals in the whole of Europe last season. Fabregas plays just behind the striker, allowing him to play the final ball, but also drops deep to dictate the tempo and loft long killer balls (notably for Adebayor and van Persie), or go into the box to finish off moves. Arsenal more than most clubs relies on that position to create chances, as play usually goes through the middle, and to score goals as well, since van Persie plays as a false nine. (Perhaps to bypass his absence against Newcastle, they tried to play down the wings, which failed as the quality of crosses was inconsistent, and too few players attacked the ball when it was sent in. Fluency and ball retention was also poor.) Not only has Fabregas consistently shown the vision and positioning needed to shine in that role, he has developed a good understanding with many of his teammates as well. Without him, the entertainment value of Arsenal (not spectacularly high in recent seasons, to be sure) will go down. To replace all of that will be hard. What are the options?
Javier Pastore, the best option, was sold early in the transfer window (to PSG, of all clubs). Young, at the age of 22, his technique and vision are already world-class, and he is still improving. He would have been the ideal replacement for Fabregas.
Ricardo Alvarez was being monitored by Wenger, but ultimately ended up at Inter Milan because Arsenal were only willing to pay £9 million, but Inter paid £10.7m. His position in the match against AC Milan was similar to that of Elano for Brazil, but on the left. It is still too early to say if this is a signing Arsenal will regret not having made.
Inter Milan played another playmaker in tandem with Alvarez, Wesley Sneijder. Sneijder has been linked to Manchester United, who don't actually seem to need him since they have not played with a trequartista in many seasons, although he could be a valuable option to play in a different style. Sneijder is an excellent attacking midfielder. He is getting old, but that also means he has valuable experience to contribute to a very young Arsenal squad.
Yoann Gourcuff could be a cheaper alternative to Sneijder. A playmaker with an exquisite first touch, good passing and vision as well as a team ethic, he has all the traits needed to replace Fabregas. He is good in the air as well, another plus for a short Arsenal team both in defence and attack. Being French, he would understand the manager and integrate with the squad well, except Nasri if he remains, because of problems playing together at the World Cup. The only downside is that Gourcuff's performances have faded at Lyon from the promise he showed at Bordeaux, so he might not be good enough for Arsenal.
Ganso is, along with Neymar and Pato, the future of Brazil, at the age of 21. With footwork befitting a Brazilian, as well as a good range of passing, he would make an amazing signing as well, but is supposedly not interested in leaving Santos at the moment, and would cost an incredible amount of money too.
A sadly forgotten player is Kaka, once considered among the best attacking players in the world, now surplus at Real Madrid and possibly available on loan. Kaka can play in the hole just behind the striker, and is used to breaking from midfield to score goals. Pacy and skilful, he comes with a proven scoring record. With an incredible shot from distance, he could also add to Arsenal a much-needed weapon to break down defences that sit back.
What if Arsenal attacked down the wings instead? It would reduce the need for an advanced playmaker. Many winger types have already been bought; Gervinho seemed effective, especially with his acceleration, although that might not be enough to unlock tighter defences, Oxlade-Chamberlain is probably one for the future, and Miyaichi's technique still seems somewhat raw, although he is almost as pacy as Walcott. The club has also been linked with Juan Mata, who had a good season with Valencia, though it now seems he will not be leaving this summer.
However, the most exciting choice would be Eden Hazard, who has been described as "having the technique of Henry and the pace of Zidane" (still pretty respectable to be sure), one of the most scintillating talents in football given his ability to go past players. A superstar in the making (think Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, or more pessimistically Arjen Robben), he has also expressed interest in joining Arsenal, as have many young talents around the world. The problem will be to persuade Lille to part with their starlet, having already taken Gervinho from them, of which solution will likely involve more euros than Wenger is happy to spend.
Going with wingers will require another striker who can score from crosses (a major problem when van Persie takes corner kicks). Falcao scored an amazing number of goals with his head in the Portuguese league and Europa league last season, and is seemingly now open to a move. He would definitely represent an improvement on Chamakh, who to be fair is a fine header of the ball but otherwise not EPL champion quality, which is the type of "super quality" that Wenger should be looking to bring in.
Would the present squad be able to step up and fill the gap left behind by Fabregas without new signings? Wilshere has already proven himself against the very best, outshining even Xavi in the Champions League match against Barcelona. Ramsey has a chance to prove himself this season, having already been promoted to the captain of Wales. Rosicky would have been a like-for-like replacement from within the squad, but has yet to play to his potential ever since his injury. A signing seems almost mandatory, especially if Nasri leaves as well, to title rivals Manchester City no less.
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