The break provided Arsenal with a brilliant uplift, scoring eight and winning twice, and they’ve played two very much-needed wins, having a great week. An easy Premier League reminded the Gunners of their firepower win over Nottingham Forest and a thumping of Sporting CP, which showed their desire to return to challenge for the title. But Arteta’s work is still very much in progress, as the team’s form suggests. Before them, this weekend is a tricky one against West Ham, who have just triumphed at Newcastle United away. All this action comes while Arsenal’s transfer strategy does nothing but gain eyebrows, with whispers of interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton making headway.
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Wharton Arsenal? A Midfield Revolution in the Making?
Arsenal spent big in the summer transfer window as Declan Rice and Mikel Merino were added to the midfield. Still, Arteta’s plans sound ambitious. “Caughtoffside” have recently reported that Crystal Palace’s young midfielder Adam Wharton is on Arsenal’s ‘watch list’. But why, you ask? The Gunners may be seeking more creativity and depth in their midfield. No, Arsenal isn’t very polite, but they certainly don’t throw your money on the floor kind of people. Spending over £50 million on yet another midfielder sounds like a plot twist from a financial thriller.
Gabriel Martinelli’s Setback: Is Wharton the Answer?
Gabriel Martinelli’s injury in the Sporting CP game was recent news. Arteta said, “We had to make the change because he was feeling some discomfort. I was about to make the change for Raz [Raheem Sterling], poor thing, I couldn’t make the sub. We had to get him out.” While unfortunate, it is a good thing to have enough depth in the team. The relentless schedule of the Premier League and injuries and often suspensions mean teams need options at all times. With another player of the quality of Wharton, Arsenal’s midfield might just be able to deal with pressure, and Arteta might then be in a decent position to see out the season.
Saliba’s Optimistic Take on Arsenal’s Form
The players, meanwhile, are not paying attention to talk of transfers; it is just another day on the job. Arsenal’s strong performer Spanish defender William Saliba talks title aim.“I think we had two or three weeks before the international break when it was really tough, but now we get back and we play two really good games,” Saliba said. “But it’s not enough; we have to keep going like this, and we have a big game on Saturday. The coach always told us to believe because we are a really good team.”
The Challenges of a Midfield Overhaul
A purchase of a player like Wharton would be costly. It would be a large investment at £50 million plus, which comes at a time when Arsenal still have other areas they can improve. If Arteta is looking at both future planning and short-term success, a move to Wharton could be the way to go. It’ll bring some freshness and vibrancy to the midfield, which will allow the squad to change between playing styles when required.
Missing out on a title race comeback and slipping up domestically were at risk for Mikel Arteta, as Arsenal looks to do the same in Europe. But the arrival of Adam Wharton could bring pace, options, and increased costs. Now that Arsenal fans are on edge without Gabriel Martinelli, there is urgency to hope that the club makes the right calls on the pitch and in the transfer window. One thing’s for certain: This season is most certainly not over if Arsenal’s current winning streak is anything to go by.
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