Transfer strategy to improve on the blueprint Mikel Arteta has set in 2021 [THREAD]

Likes, RT's and feedbacks appreciated.

Following the losing run, Arteta changed the build up shape and personnel. He employed a 3-2-5 in possession, with emphasis on movement between the lines, and creating wide overloads. When facing a low block, the shape turned to a 2-3-5 with Xhaka pushing up in the midfield line.

At times, when building up from the right, the RB pushes forward to create an overload, and essentially a 3-1-6/2-2-6, a shape used primarily by J. Nagelsmann.

Ever since making that switch, Arsenal have been a record of 5W-2D-1L in the PL, outscoring opponents 1.7-0.9 on xG.

With the above tactics, as well as the returns of Thomas, ESR & Martinelli, AFC look a completely different team, creating plenty of chances, and being very solid defensively (5/8 clean sheets). It's fair to wonder where AFC would be if they were set up like this all season long.

Arteta looks a very complete coach atm, and the new system has seen dramatic increases in form on multiple players (Saka, Pépé, Laca etc). So, how does Arteta move forward with that blueprint? Looking ahead to the summer, a big clear out is anticipated, so how do things improve?

I put together a list, totalling up the potential departures of AFC in the summer, most of them being already announced, or reported. Values are rough estimates, but without including unrealistic outs that could happen (Willian, Auba, Pépé?), AFC could have a £200 million income.

Looking at the squad following the potential outgoings, I identified 7 gaps that have to be filled with incoming transfers:

First choice: RCB, RB, AM, CF
Backup: GK, LB, CM

GK & LB:

To get the easier ones out of the way, AFC could sign Maty Ryan on a free permanent deal to fill in the back up GK spot.

In terms of LB, Ryan Bertrand has been linked with a free summer transfer to AFC.

Both of them should cost no more than a combined 6 mil in wages.

CM:

Lille's Boubakary Soumaré. 21 year old, with elite physical tools, as well as technical ability. Having fallen out with the Lille hierarchy, his asking price has been quoted at no more than £25 million.

Check this analysis by my mate @ddoublepivot: https://twitter.com/ddoublepivot/status/1345919375979765762?s=20

RB:

AFC have been linked with world class talents such as Tariq Lamptey & Achraf Hakimi, both would cost upwards of £40 million.

My personal choice is a more sensible option, Ajax's 23 year old Noussair Mazraoui, having starred in Ten Hag's 4-2-3-1:

RCB:

With Holding improving and Saliba being prepared to feature post returning from loan, I don't think a "superstar" signing is required. Homegrown, PL-ready, 23-27 age range and under £35 mil is the criteria. Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo & BHA's Adam Webster mostly fit them.

CF:

I firmly believe Patrick Bamford should be the undisputed choice here. Don't need to say a whole lot, check out this thread to see why I think this: https://twitter.com/ncstef16/status/1357110948193050624?s=20

AM:

Here is the tough one. ESR has been outstanding as the no. 10, and he should arguably be given the keys at this position, given his high ceiling at only 20 y/o. If you want a rotational option, perhaps Ødegaard can be retained at a relatively low cost (contract until 2022).

However, AFC will likely have a big budget this summer, and this could be the position to sign a "superstar". H. Aouar used to be the no. 1 option, but it seems to have pivoted to Jack Grealish, since the return to the 4-2-3-1. An obvious floor raiser, will likely cost <70 mil.

Ambitious, but fairly realistic imo, this is what I ended up with:

Strength in depth, goal scoring wingers, creators, world class midfield pivot, quality back 4 with room for improvement, a mix of youth and experience overall.

What do you think this side's ceiling is in the PL?