Prior to the 2023/24 season, Mikel Arteta admitted himself that his squad lacked the desired depth to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid in the Premier League and Champions League. "Today? No," he said in May.
"At the level that we want, no. Because we didn’t have the capacity to do that as well with the Europa League. So it’s part of that evolution. We have made a lot of good steps, strong steps in that journey. We have to continue. That never ends. We want to be better. The rest will be better. The demands will be higher. We have to start and live with those standards and improve and be smarter."
Since then, Arsenal have added competition to Aaron Ramsdale, bolstered their options in defence, obliterated their transfer record and took a risk on one of Chelsea's wantaway stars. David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz have all been purchased for over £200million, with the majority of the business concluded before pre-season started.
Prior to the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season, the Gunners' business had seemed to be some of the most efficient of the top teams in Europe. However, an unfortunate spanner was thrown into the works with Jurrien Timber sustaining an ACL injury, keeping him out for most of the season.
There hasn't been any movement in the market, as of yet, to replace the Dutch international. However, following Folarin Balogun's departure to AS Monaco this week, the funds are now available for Edu Gaspar.
Various defenders have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, including Barcelona centre-back Eric Garcia and Galatasaray's Danish Viking, Victor Nelsson. There have also been considerations for an out-and-out wing-back - like Jeremie Frimpong - but no move has come about.Now, according to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Arsenal are one of a number Premier League clubs monitoring Bah's progress at Benfica. It's understood that the Portuguese giants value the 25-year-old at around €30million-€35million (£26m-£30m),
Capable of operating as a centre-back, left-back and right-back, Bah fits the profile required in north London. He can also play out wide as a winger, offering potential back-up to Bukayo Saka.
Benfica have become a conveyor belt of talent in recent years. Enzo Fernandez, Darwin Nunez, Ruben Dias and Luka Jovic have all left the club for mega-money transfer fees and Bah could be next on that list. The defender only joined the club last summer after a short stint with Slavia Prague.
Bah cost Benfica only €8million (£6.4m), over £6million more than what Slavia Prague paid Sonderjyske for him in 2020. According to transfermarkt, his estimated value is now €14million (£12m), falling way below Benfica's reported asking price.
At this time of the transfer window, Arsenal aren't expected to spend a huge amount on a late arrival. Bah's £30million asking price could prove to be quite tempting.
0 Comments