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Now that the big celebrations are officially over, Arsenal will begin preparations for the summer transfer market which opens on June 15th.
Who stays, and who goes?
Obviously, the Gunners need to strengthen the offensive end of the pitch. There was to much focus on defending and scoring set piece goals to carry the team throughout the season that just ended. Yes it worked, but it can not be relied upon going into next season.
Case in point. In the Gunners last five matches of the season, in all competitions, the team scored only 6 goals. Yes, I know, the defense allowed only 2 in the same games, however, winning 1-nil isn’t the DNA for a team to scare opponents. Matches were too close, and even some of these matches could easily have gone the other way, resulting in draws or even losses. Arsenal needs to put teams away and avoid any last minute heroics, or disasters.
The Gunners need more goals from open play, and Mikel Arteta needs to generate more consistency and confidence from his front line. Arsenal had only 25% possession in the UCL Final, with one shot on goal. That did not get it done. Obviously!
So, with the transfer market opening soon, let’s look at our current roster, and leave the players we hope to sign for a later date.
Who will probably leave this summer? Probably, Christian Norgaard, Gabriel Jesus, Tommy Setford (loan?) and either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard. My bet is Martinelli. Ben White is also a possibility, unless Arsenal can find another, younger right fullback to be Jurrien Timber’s back-up.
Who should be renewed to longer deals? Of course, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard. Piero Hincapie also needs to be signed on a permanent deal following this season’s loan spell in North London.
And, the rest will be back in red and white. David Raya, Kepa, William Saliba, Christian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Zubimendi, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze. Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz.
What about Ethan Nwaneri? He is in camp with the England team for the World Cup, but will the Gunners bring him in this summer? Anybody’s guess at this point. This wiill probably depend on who the front office signs to boost the front line and provide more goals.
Other players on loan to stay or go? Fabio Vierra (could sign with Hamburger SV), Jakub Kiwior (has already signed with Porto), Reiss Nelson (future unknown) and Karl Hein (will sign with Werder Bremen).
Questions to be answered include:
Will Gyokeres and Hazertz score more goals in 26/27, or does Arsenal need to sign another frontman?
Can Saka improve his stats from last season and become the producer he was in past seasons?
Can Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice continue to contribute so many minutes on the pitch? No, they need strong back-ups. Lewis-Skelly has proven to be a good Zubimendi replacement, but Rice needs help behind him.
Is Martin Odegaard the team’s best #10? This will be a point of discussion during the transfer market. Would Crystal Palace’s Morgan Rogers help answer that question?
Mosquesra is a good relief man at right fullback, but the Gunners needs something better to back-up Timber. Ben White is still a question mark.
The back line needs some reinforcements, too. Saliba and Gabriel played too many minutes in 25/26. One or two solid, and versatile defenders should be signed.
And finally the goalkeepers. No changes needed. Raya and Kepa are as good a 1-2 punch as there is in European football.
More to come as the market opens during the up and coming World Cup.
Cheers.
Gunner1953