As Arsenal sit at the bottom of the league with no games won and goals scored, there is an incredible amount of pressure on manager Mikel Arteta. But with an investment in the squad that has reached unprecedented levels, there is a glimmer of hope.
Major signings:
Nuno Tavares – Benfica
Albert Sambi Lokonga – Anderlecht
Ben White – Brighton and Hove Albion
Martin Odegaard – Real Madrid
Aaron Ramsdale – Sheffield United
Takehiro Tomiyasu – Bologna
Key departures:
Joe Willock to Newcastle United
David Luiz (End of contract)
Willian (Released) to Corinthians
Hector Bellerin (Loan) to Real Betis
Matteo Guendouzi (Loan) to Marseille
Reiss Nelson (Loan) to Feyenoord
William Saliba (Loan) to Marseille
Lucas Torreira (Loan) to Fiorentina
Surplus players still here(Arsenal Fever view)
Sead Kolasinac
Mohamed Elneny
Eddie Nketiah
Alexandre Lacazette
Needs addressed:
One of the priorities for the season was a creative midfielder and the Gunners have done well to get Odegaard for a reasonable price. Another requirement was to have someone as a backup for Kieran Tierney and Tavares is the man for the job.
A ball-playing centre back was needed to fit manager Mikel Arteta’s style after the departure of Luiz and the club have chosen to go with Ben White. Given that Bellerin has left, a right-back was needed, and the north Londoners left it till the last minute but got Tomiyasu.
Needs not addressed:
The Gunners should have added some more quality in central midfield and although they did sign Lokonga, he is one for the future and having another experienced personality would definitely have helped.
With Nketiah and Lacazette entering the final year of their current deals, it would have benefitted the north Londoners to look for a centre forward. As Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to be the first choice, it doesn’t give the other two many chances to play.
Bottom line
The best thing Arsenal have done in the transfer window is to get players that can survive the current regime. Due to the age profile of the arrivals, they can be moulded into the vision of the manager.
One disappointing aspect is that the north London club have not improved their first XI significantly, but the signings can grow into better players. A failure to sell a lot of the deadwood has hampered their spending power and that should get better as certain contracts come to an end.
Overall grade: B
Read More – Arsenal hit rock bottom: Is it time for Mikel Arteta to get sacked
