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Fixing Arsenal's problems…
This thread finds players that Arsenal should consider signing to solve a number of key issues in the squad. Centre-back, defensive midfield and attacking midfield areas will be discussed.
Radars and picks
#FootballIndex
This thread finds players that Arsenal should consider signing to solve a number of key issues in the squad. Centre-back, defensive midfield and attacking midfield areas will be discussed.
Radars and picks
#FootballIndex
Before getting into some recommended transfers, it's worth mentioning that Arteta has a big task in hand. If he wants to lower expectations, I'd suggest that decreasing the age of the squad would be a good place to start.
CB - why are we looking?
Arsenal’s defensive issues have been well documented this season and finding a commanding centre-back who can take on responsibility should be a key focus for Arteta in the transfer window.
Arsenal’s defensive issues have been well documented this season and finding a commanding centre-back who can take on responsibility should be a key focus for Arteta in the transfer window.
CB - search credentials
To find a centre-back who could solve Arsenal’s defensive issues, I searched for ball-playing centre-backs who have notable defensive experience in a top 5 European league and are currently under the age of 28.
Three options
To find a centre-back who could solve Arsenal’s defensive issues, I searched for ball-playing centre-backs who have notable defensive experience in a top 5 European league and are currently under the age of 28.
Three options
1. Manuel Akanji (Dortmund)
The likelihood of Akanji leaving Dortmund for Arsenal could be questioned, but his experience and ball-playing abilities make him a perfect fit for Arteta in addition to moving into his peak years.
The likelihood of Akanji leaving Dortmund for Arsenal could be questioned, but his experience and ball-playing abilities make him a perfect fit for Arteta in addition to moving into his peak years.
2. Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina)
He might not be the most technically gifted, but Milenkovic is strong aerially and has shown the potential to become a commanding defender in a more possession-based side. At 22, he could become part of a younger Arsenal squad for the future.
He might not be the most technically gifted, but Milenkovic is strong aerially and has shown the potential to become a commanding defender in a more possession-based side. At 22, he could become part of a younger Arsenal squad for the future.
3. Nico Elvedi (Gladbach)
Elvedi’s contract with Gladbach is due to expire next summer and Arsenal should be looking at his availability. The Swiss defender has been a key figure in the Bundesliga since 2015 and a move to Arsenal would help Arteta’s side significantly.
Elvedi’s contract with Gladbach is due to expire next summer and Arsenal should be looking at his availability. The Swiss defender has been a key figure in the Bundesliga since 2015 and a move to Arsenal would help Arteta’s side significantly.
CDM - why are we looking?
Added to issues at the back, Arsenal’s midfield has been a big reason for defensive issues. Whilst Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka could be an effective partnership, there are a number of players Arteta may look to sign to add defensive structure.
Added to issues at the back, Arsenal’s midfield has been a big reason for defensive issues. Whilst Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka could be an effective partnership, there are a number of players Arteta may look to sign to add defensive structure.
CDM - search credentials
The search for a defensive midfielder should prioritise signing someone with a proven ability to protect the back four as well as progress the ball into the final third. Here, we’ll be looking at three main options.
The search for a defensive midfielder should prioritise signing someone with a proven ability to protect the back four as well as progress the ball into the final third. Here, we’ll be looking at three main options.
1. Thomas Partey (Atletico)
Partey has been widely linked with a move to North London and a reported release clause of less than £50million means the Gunners should strongly consider him. His defensive traits would be a welcome addition to Arteta’s midfield.
Partey has been widely linked with a move to North London and a reported release clause of less than £50million means the Gunners should strongly consider him. His defensive traits would be a welcome addition to Arteta’s midfield.
2. Denis Zakaria (Gladbach)
Zakaria’s defensive abilities make him a desirable midfielder and one that could allow a midfield partner to be more creative from deeper-lying positions. The ability to regain possession in key areas makes him a highly effective midfielder.
Zakaria’s defensive abilities make him a desirable midfielder and one that could allow a midfield partner to be more creative from deeper-lying positions. The ability to regain possession in key areas makes him a highly effective midfielder.
3. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Southampton)
Hojbjerg has been widely linked with a move to Spurs and his desire to play Champions League football could complicate a move to Arsenal. However, a combination of pressing and chance creation makes him an astute midfield option.
Hojbjerg has been widely linked with a move to Spurs and his desire to play Champions League football could complicate a move to Arsenal. However, a combination of pressing and chance creation makes him an astute midfield option.
CAM - why are we looking?
Mesut Ozil’s continued uncertainty means there could be a search for a midfield creator. It remains to be seen whether or not Arteta wants to develop Bukayo Saka in a similar role but I personally feel he’d be better on the left.
Mesut Ozil’s continued uncertainty means there could be a search for a midfield creator. It remains to be seen whether or not Arteta wants to develop Bukayo Saka in a similar role but I personally feel he’d be better on the left.
CAM - search credentials
Searching for an Ozil replacement dictates a need for frequent chance creation and an ability to thread the play together in key areas. Given more pressing issues elsewhere, the three options below will be more affordable options.
Searching for an Ozil replacement dictates a need for frequent chance creation and an ability to thread the play together in key areas. Given more pressing issues elsewhere, the three options below will be more affordable options.
1. Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma)
Despite a couple of spells out with injury this season, Pellegrini has been a constant source of creativity for Roma. Further transition into an attacking midfielder could make him an interesting option for Arsenal to explore.
Despite a couple of spells out with injury this season, Pellegrini has been a constant source of creativity for Roma. Further transition into an attacking midfielder could make him an interesting option for Arsenal to explore.
2. Emiliano Buendia (Norwich)
Buendia’s impressive output in a struggling Norwich side poses the question of how good he could be in a higher quality side. As a player entering his physical peak after an impressive first PL season, he could be a shrewd piece of business.
Buendia’s impressive output in a struggling Norwich side poses the question of how good he could be in a higher quality side. As a player entering his physical peak after an impressive first PL season, he could be a shrewd piece of business.
3. Aleksandr Golovin (Monaco)
The 24-year-old has registered fairly good numbers since moving to Ligue 1 last season and such creativity could be well placed in Arteta’s side. It remains to be seen if Golovin would be affordable for Arsenal but he’s certainly one to watch.
The 24-year-old has registered fairly good numbers since moving to Ligue 1 last season and such creativity could be well placed in Arteta’s side. It remains to be seen if Golovin would be affordable for Arsenal but he’s certainly one to watch.
There are plenty more names who could have been included but the biggest issue for Arteta will be attracting high quality players without European football.
I hope you've found this thread interesting, something a little different.
RTs appreciated as always. #FootballIndex
I hope you've found this thread interesting, something a little different.
RTs appreciated as always. #FootballIndex