Like I mentioned in the previous article, not every transfer story which has been going around social media is true. So if you’re an Inter Milan fan, it’s about time you stop expecting Leo Messi in your colours and maybe focus on some Manchester United rejects. In this article, I will be talking about some new faces that could be making their way to The Emirates or some which could really make a difference.
Let’s begin by addressing the problem. Defence? Creativity? Legs? Maybe a bit of everything. Mikel ARTeta was the third man on the touchline for The Gunners this season. After a not-so good ebeening, the dawn brings with itself promise. Hope. I can’t say for sure what’s changed. They’ve still played out dull draws against Burnley, Sheffield and Palace. They’ve gone crashing out of the Europa League and some of the defending in that slim 1-0 win over West Ham was so pathetic, I couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing Paul Merson say that Arsenal would be challenging for the title in two years. Who’re you kidding? But I will put my hands down and agree that there’s a definite wind of change blowing over North London (Look away, Daniel Levy). Whether it’s just the ‘Art’ in Arteta or just Arsenal turning on the swagger, I don’t know. But just seeing Martinelli sit Kante down and Arsenal boss Everton was so satisfying. They’re a great football club and they need to start playing like one.
Dayot Upamecano is a name you will hear a lot this summer and he would make the most sense in Arsenal red. But they will need to splash the cash to snatch him away from Bayern and more importantly, their downtown neighbours. Alternatives? Moving for Nathan Ake or Caglar Soyuncu. Both know the Premiership well and would be a huge upgrade on David Luiz who is such a sorry sight to watch. Defence is undoubtedly their biggest concern and the foundation needs to be built before enforcing themselves as title challengers. Tyrone Mings is a name I’m going to throw out here if Villa do go down.
In midfield, they should hold on to Dani Ceballos no matter what. He has pace, a very sharp presence of mind, good from set plays, extremely press resilient and has age on his side. The last midfielder who arrived from Real has been playing well for London’s blue and Ceballos makes as much sense. Thomas Partey is another name I have been hearing a lot and if Simeone is looking for some cash to spend elsewhere, this deal could happen. This has the potential to be an extremely vital piece of the jigsaw and a defensive midfielder shielding that defence allows Ceballos/Xhaka to make those forward runs. This would mean an in-possession back three with Bellerin and Tierney providing attacking width and it’s something that excites me as a football fan because if there’s one team I love to see moving forward, it’s Arsenal.
What’s probably the biggest challenge for them is to keep hold of their captain. A very versatile attacker as a winger, wide-forward or even when playing centrally, Aubameyang’s departure will have devastating affects as they’ll be left without a proper focal point in attack. As much as I love seeing Martinelli, Nketiah and Maitland-Niles, it’d be unfair to throw them straight into the thick of things and expect results. Lacazette’s departure probably wouldn’t hit them as much and now’s probably the time to let him go and make money off him. If you’re looking for alternatives, Mikel, I’d redirect you to Bournemouth’s Josh King or Iheanacho of Leicester City.
Having said all that, when football resumes, Arsenal need to put the foot on the gas and try to secure a CL spot as that would unlock many transfers for them. Expect a busy window which will test their recruitment more than their purse. Don’t expect more than one big name, look out for loan deals and trust Arteta. If an out-of-position fullback, an ageing midfield and two inexperienced forwards can wreck so much havoc, full-strength Arsenal will be a real threat. Be careful 6th place, they’re coming for you.
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