Arsenal Transfer Focus: Areas Requiring Immediate Attention
An Understudy for David Raya
Last season, David Raya overtook Aaron Ramsdale in the battle for the number one spot and is set to retain his place in 2024/25. A keeper of Ramsdale’s quality will have no interest in being a bench warmer and will want to start every game.
If the 26-year-old ends up leaving, Arsenal will need to buy an apt replacement. They cannot depend on the young Karl Hein should Raya become injured midway through a season. Though the Estonian recently signed a new contract he will most likely be the third-choice keeper or depart on loan.
Moreover, Ramsdale has the ambition of becoming England’s first-choice. He must count himself lucky for making it to the Euros despite not playing enough games in the past season. If he is to become the national team’s starting goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup, he has no option other than quitting North London.
A Versatile Midfielder
Arteta loves players who can excel in multiple positions. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he signed a midfielder adept at both the number six and number eight roles. Declan Rice has already been playing that role but having another midfielder in a similar mould wouldn’t harm the team.
With Mohamed Elneny’s departure confirmed and Emile Smith Rowe’s exit very much a possibility, a midfield signing, preferably a young one, would ensure Arsenal have enough depth in that department. The club will also be conscious that Jorginho isn’t getting any younger.
Bruno Guimaraes, Joao Neves, and Amadou Onana have all featured in Arsenal’s transfer shortlist. Of them, Onana seems to be the most cost-effective option thanks to the financial troubles at Goodison Park. The other two are expected to cost somewhere around £100 million. Martin Zubimendi, another Arsenal target, remains uninterested in a transfer.
An Explosive Winger
Lightning pace is something this Arsenal squad doesn’t have enough of. They require a winger who can put on the afterburners during counterattacks. Somebody comfortable playing on both wings would be an ideal addition.
Relieving the workload on Bukayo Saka is of paramount importance. A failure to do so means the 22-year-old could soon face repeated injuries and burnouts that could shorten his playing career.
Of late, Arsenal have been linked with a transfer for Pedro Neto and Nico Williams but are facing some hurdles in moving for them. Signing a striker doesn’t seem to be in the transfer plans this summer, which makes bringing a winger to the Emirates mandatory.
Should Arsenal Ignore Transfers for Other Positions?
There are other areas in which Arsenal may target transfers, though they are perhaps of less significance than the aforementioned three.
The resurgence of Kai Havertz in the second half of 2023/24 has alleviated to a great extent the immediate need for a striker. Besides, it doesn’t matter where the goals come from as long as they arrive in abundance.
Arsenal were showing some serious interest in Benjamin Sesko, but the RB Leipzig striker signed a contract extension, thus shooting down all transfer rumours. The Gunners may still try to sign him next year.
In defence, a left-back and a centre-back are required. It was a lack of replacement for the injured William Saliba that derailed the 2022/23 season’s title charge. However, the signing of Jurrien Timber has ensured that there are enough talented players to fill in if anyone gets injured.
Buying players for every required spot might not be compatible with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules, so fortifying the back four or the striker position may not be the focus this year.
Fans will be looking forward to welcoming new signings who can help them go one step further and lift the Premier League trophy come May.
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