Arsenal have secured some world-class signings this summer, but there’s still work to be done.
In a dreamlike scenario, Mikel Arteta will welcome another midfielder, right-back and versatile striker before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Kai Havertz has improved the Gunners’ options in midfield, with many seeing him as a replacement for Granit Xhaka following his move to Bayer Leverkusen for £21.5 million ($27.7 million). Priority target Declan Rice is close to completing the club’s record move from West Ham, with Jurrien Timber also very close to joining.
Since the north Londoners saw their Premier League title hopes go up in smoke last season, they have focused on upgrading Arsenal’s squad in an attempt to overcome their dominance. Manchester City in England. Arsenal’s business is not expected to stop at three, but spending is likely to be constrained due to early business activity.
In an ideal world, another midfield would follow Rice through the door competing with England internationals, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard. Moises Caicedo has long been on the Gunners’ shortlist, as has Southampton star Romeo Lavia.
Partey’s future could greatly affect Edu Gaspar’s next mission. Partey has been closely linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, although it is understood that Ghanaians’ preference would be to stay in Europe. Rumors have cooled down in recent weeks
In defence, Arsenal are playing very firmly. In fact, it’s fair to say they have one of the best four defenders in the Premier League. William Saliba’s new contract looks like a £100m deal, with a centre-back’s Rolls Royce with the potential to lead the Gunners defense for years to come.
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However, it is Arteta’s wide active positions in defense that need to get the job done. Oleksandr Zinchenko is said to not see his position threatened after adjusting to life at the Emirates so easily last season, but a new right-back must be a priority.
A bunch of players have been linked in the last ten months. Ivan Fresneda has been on the club’s radar since January while Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong has recently emerged as a possible boost. More recently, Manchester City treble winner Kyle Walker has been linked, with the 33-year-old entering the final year of his contract.
Farther on the pitch, much has been made of the Gunners’ request for a new striker. At centre-back, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun are all available, but playing is not the same story.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are two star players, with Emile Smith Rowe heading into the new season following a superb campaign with England Under-21s this summer. However, Champions League football means additional quality is needed.
A player like Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby would be a perfect fit. Left-footed, the France international has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, but former club PSG are said to be considering a move after losing Lionel Messi this summer.
It should be made clear that Arsenal are only capable of signing more contracts if they manage to sell players in excess of the requirements. Only Balogun is expected to bring in a fair amount.
Here’s how the Arsenal squad is being shaped so far and where the new additions are located.
Goalie: Ramsdale, Turner, Runarsson, Heim
Defender: Saliba, Magalhaes, Kiwior, Holding, Zinchenko, Tierney, White, Tomiyasu, new sign, new sign )
Midfielder: Partey Elneny, Jorginho, Lokonga, Odegaard, Havertz, new sign, new sign (plus young players can join, including Myles-Lewis Skelly)
The attacker: Saka, Martinelli, Jesus, Smith Rowe, Trossard, Nelson, Nketiah, new sign (plus young players can join, including Ethan Nwaneri)
Which of the following prospects would you like to see in the first team or on loan for experience? Swipe to have your voice…
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