While Arsenal enjoyed a successful summer transfer window, they still need reinforcements in certain positions.
The Gunners saw five new arrivals to improve the team across various positions. The arrivals of Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner, Gabriel Jesus, and Oleksandr Zinchenko have added some much-needed depth to Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
However, the Gunners could still use some squad improvements in certain positions. Arsenal were linked to a winger and another midfield signing all window long, but ultimately failed to land any of their targets. Here are the positions where Arsenal could still look for some new signings:
1. Defensive Midfielder
As things stand, Thomas Partey remains Mikel Arteta’s preferred option in the holding midfield role. Mohamed Elneny was given a contract extension to cover for the former Atletico Madrid man.
Thomas Partey has been very injury prone since joining from Diego Simeone’s side. Mohamed Elneny, while a competent backup, does lack the quality to start against top opponents. The Ghanaian international has been out with injury for a good part of the season so far.
Arsenal could look to rope in another defensive midfield option in the winter transfer window. The Gunners should target a profile comfortable in both a double pivot and a midfield three. This would allow Arteta to retain his fluid midfield with Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka as the interiors.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad would be a great fit for this role. Ajax’s Edson Alvarez could be another potential target too. The former would cost Arsenal around £60 million, with FC Barcelona also in the race. Alvarez was rumoured to be available for a little over £40 million. Chelsea midfielder Jorginho will be a free agent in 2023. Arsenal could also weigh up a surprise move for the Italian.
2. Backup Winger
Arsenal’s left wing boasts of immense quality right now. Gabriel Martinelli has been in imposing form, while Emile Smith Rowe is a competent backup option. On the right, however, Bukayo Saka has no deputed backup. Both Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira can play on the flank if necessary, but have skill sets better suited for different positions. Marquinhos remains an option too, but has largely been involved with the U-21 team.
Arsenal could look to target a winger that can cover both flanks. This would increase competition within the team, and provide Arteta with greater flexibility. Pedro Neto is a player within the Premier League who was linked to Arsenal and Manchester United in the summer. Villarreal attacker Yeremy Pino is another quality option for the Gunners.
3. Backup Striker
Gabriel Jesus is Arsenal’s undisputed centre-forward right now. The Brazilian has been in scintillating form with 4 goals and 3 assists to kickstart the season. Eddie Nketiah is currently deputy to the former Manchester City front-man.
However, both Jesus and Nketiah have similar tendencies in the attack. Both players like to drop deeper between the lines and get involved in the team’s buildup. Both players are also not the strongest in the air, or most threatening options in the box.
See More:
- Are Arsenal Title Contenders? | Three Crucial Lessons Learnt From Arsenal’s Win Over Brentford
- The Top Players who Joined Arsenal This Summer That the Fans Should be Most Excited About
- Is A High-Line of Defence Arsenal’s Achilles Heel? Analysing Arsenal’s Tactical Challenge Ahead of Spurs Game
Arsenal could consider bringing in a more classical “9” profile; a “fox in the box”. A player who may not add much to the buildup, but would offer a constant threat inside the box would add a different dimension to Arsenal’s attack. This would be especially useful against more compact units, or when the Gunners are trailing in a game. Getafe striker Enes Unal would be such an option.
What other positions do Arsenal require new signings in? Who are the players the Gunners should target in the winter transfer window? Let us know in the comments.
Follow AD for the Latest Transfer Updates for Arsenal.