As their first Premier League test against Manchester United awaits, Arsenal are now reportedly favourites to sign a young South American defender for Mikel Arteta.
Arteta reiterates Arsenal "consistency"
The Premier League title has been just out of Arsenal's reach for the last three seasons in the most frustrating fashion for all involved in North London. First, it was Pep Guardiola's historic Manchester City side in their way and then, even as they struggled for the first time in four years, Arne Slot came to town to turn Liverpool back into English champions.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks dejected after the match
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks dejected after the match
The problem was clear last season, however. The Gunners simply lacked goals in the most important moments. They desperately needed consistent, almost guaranteed goalscoring and, as such, welcomed the clinical Viktor Gyokeres to solve that problem this summer. Now, at the fourth time of asking, Arteta will be hoping to see his side turn their "consistency" into long-awaited glory.
"You keep digging, digging, digging. You have to keep digging because one day, the gold is going to be there. That's all the time, what I've been taught, I've been educated and that's it. For three seasons, we have more points than any other team in this league.
"It’s incredible, that's why we have all the consistency. Now we have to do it in a season, to earn one more point or the same amount of points and more goals difference than any other team. That’s the objective." (Arteta)
Meanwhile, as the work commences on the pitch, it may well continue in the transfer market. New sporting director Andrea Berta has already welcomed Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga in an impressive summer, but may yet have more on the way.
In the final two weeks, reports suggest that the Gunners could yet turn towards another defensive reinforcement.
Arsenal now favourites to sign Benedetti
As reported by journalist Diego Firmino and relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal are now considered favourites to sign Luis Benedetti from Palmeiras. The impressive 19-year-old already reportedly has Arteta's approval and those in North London could now make their move.
Whilst the centre-back is one for the future, he could quickly follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Martinelli, who swapped Brazil for Arsenal as an unknown star in the early days of his career.
When watching Vitor Reis, who eventually secured a move to Manchester City last January, analyst Ben Mattinson also shared praise for Benedetti - describing the teenager as an "aggressive defender".
Whether that "aggressive" nature has convinced Arsenal to make an official move when they get the chance is now the big question. Arteta's side is already full of young talent and the addition of Benedetti would only add to that.