Over the last couple of seasons, Arsenal has been a constant thorn in the side of Manchester City.
Despite City clinching four consecutive Premier League titles, Arsenal has been pushing them to the brink, only to fall short in the final stretch each time.
With the Gunners eager to finally break through and claim the Premier League title they haven’t won since 2004, Mikel Arteta is determined to bolster his squad.
As the team gears up for the new season, there are several players linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium.
One key area where Arsenal could use an upgrade is left back. Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, who has impressed in Italy and during Euro 2024, might be the solution.
The 22-year-old, set to join Arsenal for around £33.6 million, offers versatility.
While he played mostly as a centre back last season, his experience as a left back could fill a gap in Arteta’s lineup.
With Gabriel and William Saliba forming a strong defensive partnership, Calafiori could add depth and stability on the left side, similar to Ben White’s role on the right.
His arrival would address a position that’s been somewhat problematic for Arteta, especially with current players like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior not fully convincing.
Another major decision for Arteta involves Declan Rice.
Though Rice was slightly underwhelming at Euro 2024, he remains one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.
His ability to disrupt opposition play is crucial, but Arteta may need to reassess his role after Rice’s impressive performances when pushed further forward last season.
With Partey and Jorginho facing fitness and age-related issues, Rice’s return to a defensive midfield role might be beneficial.
The addition of another top-class defensive midfielder could be transformative.
Martin Zubimendi, who shone in the Euro 2024 final, and former Newcastle player Mikel Merino are among those linked with Arsenal, as is Bruno Guimaraes, who has caught their eye before.
Right Wing: Strengthening the Flanks
On the right wing, Bukayo Saka has been a standout performer but has faced the brunt of the attacking responsibilities.
With Reiss Nelson’s minimal impact last season, adding depth on the right could ease the load on Saka and enhance Arsenal’s attacking options.
Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao has been suggested as a potential addition, with a reported release clause of £49 million.
Williams, who was impressive at Euro 2024, could provide the depth needed.
Other names like Turkey’s Baris Alper Yilmaz and Wolves’ Pedro Neto have also been mentioned as possible targets.
Striker: The Missing Piece
The most pressing need for Arsenal might be a new striker.
Although Kai Havertz showed promise in the latter part of last season, he’s not a natural centre forward.
Gabriel Jesus’s recent struggles and Eddie Nketiah’s limited use highlight the need for a reliable striker.
Arsenal has been linked with several potential strikers, including Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen, Dominic Solanke, Ivan Toney, and Viktor Gyokeres.
While some options might be out of reach financially, Toney or Gyokeres could be more feasible.
Toney’s goal-scoring and penalty-taking skills make him an appealing choice, while Gyokeres’s poaching ability could address Arsenal’s need for a clinical striker.
With the right additions, Arsenal could very well take that final step and secure the Premier League title this season.
Arteta’s squad is on the brink of greatness, and a few strategic moves could make all the difference.
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