It’s interesting that when Arsenal clearly needed to strengthen in the January transfer window as they dealt with a mountain of injuries and suspensions, the help never came.
PSR came in the way as Mikel Arteta has made it clear in press conferences many a times that Arsenal will not sign players for no reason and have a concise approach to the market.
But, whilst Liverpool romped to the title they have just signed Florian Wirtz.
Pep Guardiola has quickly been handed some of the most exciting players in the world to rejuvenate Man City.
Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki are fabulous additions to a City team that already has Rodri, Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias etc.
Liverpool don’t want to rest on their laurels, City want to challenge again. Moving this quickly in the transfer window feels like a statement.
Arsenal meanwhile have signed no one.
Whilst it’s not a disaster and nothing to worry about just yet, the longer a transfer window goes on without players coming in? You run the risk of entering a volatile, unpredictable market. Competing with teams was never easy, it’s made even difficult now as football clubs are ran like ruthless, savvy businesses.
Clubs aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty or get one up on a rival. Be it driving prices up or going in for players they don’t necessarily need.
The point is, it’s never good to wait to do your business because you don’t know what the market will throw at you.
The Attacker Conundrum
Whether you think it’s a tactics issue or a striker will magically fix Arsenal’s woes in front of goal, a stiker is needed.
What has been happening to Arsenal’s front three (even when Bukayo Saka was in the team) is that apart from Saka no one has the pace to get in behind defences and trouble them.
It’s perfectly okay having Kai Havertz up front because of how versatile he is. He can drop deep and take a man with him and he can even play in central midfield and find space in the half-spaces.
Normally though what that means, is a player who is supposed to be central in his place and pin a defence back is not there.
Having a Benjamin Sesko or Victor Gyokeres in that position, even with their sheer presence adds so much.
It means defenders have to mark them, have to stay in that position, elevating Arsenal’s other attackers.
Additionally with a striker like Sesko or Gyokeres, Arsenal will have something they haven’t for such a long time, probably since when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departed in a proven goal scorer.
Seems to be the case that at the minute Arsenal are waiting for the best deal for either striker but Sesko is the more complete despite scoring less.
It’s important to reference this because in Arteta’s side you can’t just be good at one thing you have to be a cog that makes the machine function better.
Either way though, both would be an addition as they fit in with the transformation the Gunners have undergone opting for physically imposing, tall players.
It makes them a constant threat in the air and helps them win lots of duels.
The risk Arsenal might run is that, honing in on two targets and not being aggressive in their approach early could potentially lead to a calamity later.
What happens if RB Leipzig keep dragging their heels with Sesko?
Sporting CP and Gyokeres are having a very public spat and it doesn’t seem like they’ll let him leave for cheap.
Arsenal have put their money where the mouths are previously, it may have helped to do the same when what they need is clear.
New man in charge and Plenty of Time
It’s important to address the fact that this is Andrea Berta’s first summer as a sporting director.
We can’t underestimate the fact that the way clubs work upstairs in the executive offices bleeds into how good they are on the pitch.
The most successful clubs over the last few seasons are impeccable with their business off the pitch.
It isn’t just buying players, it’s maximising revenue, making sure you get enough for sales, dealing with other clubs.
Berta is dealing with a different league and the first windows sets a precedent for how he will be judged.
But at the same time, Edu Gaspar took his time in transfer windows as well.
The transfer window doesn’t shut till September 1st so it leaves Arsenal with plenty of time.
But if Arsenal wanted to make a statement and show the league they are serious they would do what City and Liverpool are.
There isn’t a need to worry yet, but The Gunners don’t want to get into a position where once again, they’ve failed to prepare for the season.