Arsenal’s FA Cup final triumph proved a true reflection of how far Mikel Arteta has taken the club since his appointment.
However, the same common disappointments are still apparent in this Arsenal team, a soft-belly that so often leaves them vulnerable like the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in July.
Since Arteta’s arrival before Christmas, Arsenal have won 16 games out 28 in all competitions, highlighting a significant improvement in this team, also they have become more resolute at the back with the former Manchester City coach switching to a 3-4-3 to overcompensate for Arsenal’s frailties at the back.
Despite the vast improvements, the Spaniard knows he has a lot of work to do in order for him to lead the club back to challenging for a top four spot and major honours.
Their back-to-back wins over the Manchester City and Liverpool showed exactly how far Arteta has taken his team tactically, becoming more organised in defence, tactically flexible and more confident and assured in possession. Though, you feel there are still frailties in Arsenal’s team, especially at centre-back and in defensive midfield, areas where they lack the leadership, defensive prowess and stability in order for them to build from when attacking with force.
Arsenal still leave gaps when pressing, still open to the counter and are never comfortable when trying to hold on to tight leads. They don’t know how to win when not playing well, still have a soft belly where even the ‘smallest’ teams can exploit. It’s frail mentalities such as these that requires a huge shift if Arsenal are to challenge for major honours again.
Arsenal need fresh personnel, but the question is, will Arteta be backed with the resources and money to build? What will be interesting is how Arsenal and Arteta approach this transfer window, considering the financial impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the club’s finances.
Do Arsenal need to sell stars such as Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette, Matteo Guendouzi and Shkodran Mustafi in order to recruit players? It certainly seems so, and sources have indicated to Bleacher Report, that Arsenal have little in the bank to spend, and will have to consider cheap options, swap deals, loans and free transfers in order to overhaul their squad. They’re close to agreeing a three-year deal for Chelsea winger Willian who will add valuable experience and winning mentality.
It’s clear the pressing areas Arsenal need to strengthen, at centre-back, in defensive midfield and a potential replacement for Mesut Ozil in the attacking midfield areas to add some much needed creativity. And if Lacazette does end up seeking pastures new, then Arteta would need to be seeking a replacement up-front too.
So for each of those areas, who could Arteta recruit if Arsenal were indeed to raise some significant cash this summer?
Defence
It’s evidently clear that Arsenal need major surgery in defence, specifically at centre-back. With David Luiz signing a new 1-year contract this month, much to the dismay of many Arsenal supporters.
With Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding’s future’s unclear along with Sokratis, Arteta will need to start looking strengthen their long term. Highly-rated young centre-back William Saliba is shoe in for a starting berth next year, who could Arteta look to partner him long-term?
Nico Elvedi, Gladbach
One of the most assured, high calibre centre-backs in Germany. Nico Elvedi has reportedly been on Arsenal’s radar for all of a year now, and he is a player who warrants all the attention and praise coming his way.
The Switzerland international has established himself as a key component in Marco Rose’s exciting Borussia Mochengladbach who finished the Bundesliga in an unprecedented Champions League spot for next season, it will be their first participation in the prestigious competition since its introduction.
Nico Elvedi has formed a much solid base at the heart of their defence and has emerged as one of the most complete defenders in the country. Mikel Arteta desires of his centre-backs to be comfortable on the ball and in possession and Elvedi expresses such qualities in abundance, with Marco Rose harbouring the same philosophical ideas.
Elvedi averages around 55 passes per game in the Bundesliga, with a hugely impressive 92.2 pass completion percentage, he’s also completed 92.8% of his long-passes highlighting his impressive distribution from defence and the ease at which he aims to form attacks through his progressive passes between the lines of play. He’s also very dominant in his defensive duels. Per 90, he’s won 1.42 tackles per 90, 2.50 interceptions and is also very competent in the air, winning 3.20 of his aerial duels.
The perfect addition for Arteta’s system if a potential move was to arise.
James Tarkowski, Burnley
One of the few defenders in the Barclays Premier League who just loves to defend, how Arsenal have missed those type of centre-backs since someone like Tony Adams. James Tarkowski is your typical no-nonsense centre-back, one who takes no prisoners, establishing himself as one of the most underrated defenders in the whole division.
Burnley are known for their rigid, solid system and James Tarkowski has been at the heart of everything good about Burnley’s impressive defence this season keeping 15 clean sheets last season, joint second in the top-flight alongside Liverpool.
It’s probably time the Burnley defender tests himself at a bigger outfit and playing under Mikel Arteta could represent the perfect opportunity for the defender to make the step up and also force himself into the England recokining too. His solid showings this season warrants such recognition.
Gabriel, Lille
Arguably the most coveted young defender right now. Lille’s Brazillian defender Gabriel is reportedly hot on the trails of a whole host of European clubs this summer. Arsenal, Manchester United, Napoli and Everton are all reportedly scouring for the services of this remarkably gifted young centre-back.
In an era where, ball-playing centre-backs are the feature of most of the elite clubs in Europe. If you’ve watched Gabriel over the course of the 2019/20 Champions League campaign, you’d know why he’s so highly sought-after right now.
The graph above, provided by Football Slices proves his influence and terrific abilities both in the defensive phases of play and distribution from defence. The 22-year-old takes no prisoners when defending. Whether its stepping out of his defensive line to halt attacks, or sweep up any lingering opportunities for the opposition,
Gabriel is a consummate, brute and an assured centre-back. Traits Arsenal so desperately need. Not only is Gabriel so dominant in his defensive duels but he’s meticulously assured in possession, averaging 61 passes per game with 82% pass success rate.
The Brazillian regularly attempts to cut through opposition lines with his passing which is further highlighted by his 4.35 passes into the final third. When Gabriel is in possession, he’s always looking to play it forward, always looking for the risk and reward pass, and that’s a trait Mikel Arteta will hold dear.
He more importantly wins a lot of his defensive duels especially the 1v1 battles, he’s strong, quick, agile and a fantastic reader of what his opponent is trying to do. The way in which he stands up to his opponents means he’s always in control of the scenario, allowing him the opportunity to snuff it out.
A move to Emirates could represent the perfect step up for the young defender.
Defensive Midfield
Arsenal have needed a sturdy, dominant and powerful midfielder since French legend Patrick Vieira left the club in 2005. Mikel Arteta identifies the pressing need, hence his constant changes in system to make up for the lack of a powerful midfield capable of breaking up play, and screening in front of the back four.
Granit Xhaka has enjoyed a renaissance under Arteta, but is he really the long-term solution Arsenal need? Lucas Torreira’s future is unclear, despite his bright capabilities, and Dani Ceballos’ future also is up in the air, with Arteta hoping he can secure him permanently from Real Madrid.
So who could Arsenal look to?
Denis Zakaria, Gladbach
Denis Zakaria has long been touted as the midfielder Arsenal so desperately require in midfield. The Swiss international is a man mountain, a player so capable of breaking up play, sitting in front of the midfield and providing the much needed security in front of the back four.
Not only is he capable of screening the middle third in search of danger, his lean build, power, tremendous qualities on the ball and his dribbling means he’s also hugely effective in transitioning play with his marauding runs.
Whether its relieving pressure from his own team or driving them up the pitch to instigate attacking scenarios, Zakaria has established himself as the complete midfielder under Marco Rose at Borussia-Park.
2.82 tackles won per 90, 2.21 interceptions, 6.19 successful pressures, 1.85 successful dribbles, Denis Zakaria offers much both in the attacking and defensive phases of play and also he’s fantastic in possession too. Perfect for Arteta’s possession-heavy philosophy. Zakaria can break lines with his passing and is very capable of keeping things ticking over when needed.
GET HIM IN!
Marc Roca, Espanyol
Espanyol’s Marc Roca could provide the perfect tonic for Arteta’s Arsenal vision, not just because he’s Spanish and can pass the ball expertly but he could be a cheap option if needed, because of Espanyol’s relegation to the Spanish second division.
Nonetheless, Marc Roca is a remarkably gifted young midfielder. Despite his club’s struggles last season, Roca has always stood out in games largely down to his excellent passing, vision, and tactical understanding. A defensive midfielder truly capable of dictating play. A fine orchestrator when trying to progress play to the forwards, not only through his short passing but his long passing too.
Roca is in the same mould as Dani Ceballos, but also more importantly carries the same influence as the Barcelona great, Sergio Busquets. As well as being elegant in possession, he can also provide much cover for his defenders and is very good in his defensive duels also.
1.51 tackles won per 90, 0.89 interceptions and 5.81 successful pressures but its his progressive passing and distribution that is the hallmark of his game. He’s averaged 6.78 passes into the final third this season as well as a 81% pass success rate.
Manuel Locatelli, Sassuolo
Manuel Locatelli is fast becoming a true embodiment of the complete midfielder. One who is vitally efficient and influential in both the attacking and defensive phases of play. Elegant and metronomic in possession combined with such combativeness and assuredness in his defensive duels.
Locatelli has captured the imagination at Sassuolo, after being deemed not good enough to fight for a starting place at AC Milan, the Italian under-21 international has risen from the ashes at Sassuolo and has proven such a pivotal force in a team blessed with such exciting fluidity. Locatelli is the glue that holds it all together.
Arsenal would do really well to push for his services, the Italian is just what Arteta needs to mould this Arsenal team into his image. Locatelli is one of a few players in European football right now who holds such a unique infleunce both in attack and defence.
When he receives possession, he always seeks the forward pass, always looks to set and lead his more advanced teammates into dangerous areas with his progressive passes. The attacking unit is tailor made for Locatelli’s defence-splitting passes. While he’s so very adept at influencing the attacking scenarios, he is incredibly effective when screening and protecting in front of the defence, always aware of up-coming danger and holding the strength, power and quickness of movement to snuff it out.
Locatelli could represent the perfect addition for Arsenal, a huge upgrade of what Arteta already possesses in his midfield.
Ibrahim Sangare, Toulouse
A swashbuckling midfielder. Toulouse’s Ibrahim Sangare is reportedly attracting a of number of interest from Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, including Everton, Arsenal and Manchester United.
With Toulouse failing to avoid relegation from Ligue 1 after the season was deemed null and void, it is reported that the club are indeed willing to listen to offers for the talented midfielder. Despite the clubs struggles, Sangare has swiftly emerged into the spotlight with his assured and dominant performances in the middle of the park. If rumours are believed to be true, Sangare could become a force in the English top-flight.
Sangare is a man mountain, standing at 6’3, he is an imposing figure on his opponents. Holds a slim build, is lean and long legs which means he has no problems putting himself about across the midfield and defensive areas. He is strong and forceful in the challenges and is very adept in possession too. In Ligue 1 this season, he’s made 3.4 tackles per game and intercepted possession 1.6 times. His tall and lean frame means he is a difficult player to dribble past. He’s been dribbled past 1.6 times per game.
What’s also impressive about Sangare is his passing abilities. He is statistically one of the best passers from defensive midfield in Ligue 1. He also ranks at first place amongst under-23 midfield players for both progressive passes and (151) and passes into the final third (124).
Sangare is also a very efficient ball-carrier, capable of carrying the ball up the field to progress play and drive his team up the pitch to relieve pressure or to conjure up an attacking opportunity from deep. He’s completed 71% of his ball carries, well capable in recieving the pass from his centre-backs and quickly driving forward in search of a goal. Sangare is also impressively well-balanced and composed when dribbling in tight spaces, and also completing passes when under pressure too. The 22-year-old midfielder has completed 11.6 passes while under pressure, 1.2 dribbles and has also makes 1.1 key passes per game.
Arsenal desperately need a powerful and commanding defensive midfielder, and Sangare is already built for the rigours of the Premier League, so why can’t Arteta take a cheap punt at recruiting the midfielder?
Replacement for Mesut Ozil?
As well as requiring quality in the defensive midfield department, Arsenal are also lacking in the attacking midfield areas too, and seeing as Arteta no longer sees Mesut Ozil as his long-term solution, shunning him out of the side as of late, the former Manchester City assistant coach will need to replace him swiftly.
Emiliano Buendia, Norwich City
Norwich may have been relegated from the Premier League, but Daniel Farke’s side went down really exciting fans across the top-flight with their fluid and unique style of football. It may have been naive at times, but it sure drew fans to some of their bright young attacking talents, most specifically Emiliano Buendia.
The Argentine midfielder is a thrilling creative force, and would represent a fantastic addition for any top six side in the Premier League. 7 assists in his first taste of English football is something to be proud of, and he can take heart in the fact that he can cut it amongst the best despite his team’s weaknesses.
Not only is Buendia a stylish and unique midfielder but he is also a bulldog and terrier-like when trying to win possession back for his team, a trait Arteta could hold dear within his system. Per90, he averages 7.67 successful pressures, ranking 97th in the percentile rank. He also averages an impressive 2.3 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per game, highlighting his desire and enthusiasm when pressing from the front.
Buendia is an excellent reader of the game, but also a graceful creative aspect when threading the eye of the needle pass. He constantly picks out the right positions in between the opponent’s midfield and defence in order to connect with the forwards and dissect organised defences which some lovely through balls, which is further shown through his 2.3 key passes per game. His excellent on-the-ball qualities, technical acumen and quickness of feet means he’s incredibly competent in operating in the tight areas of the attacking third.
Emi Buendia could offer Mikel Arteta so much in terms of his high-work rate, his enthusiasm and pressing from the front. The Argentinian is not afraid to put his body on the line, or even hassle players who are twice his size. The midfielder has been a joy to watch this season, and he deserves another shot at the big time, for an elite team too.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Red-Bull Salzburg
The Hungarian Kevin De Bruyne. As huge a tag that may be, Dominik Szoboszlai harnesses the same qualities and creative influence as the the world class Belgian.
12 goals and 18 assists from midfield this season is simply spectacular. Numbers you’d associate with a striker or a wide-forward. What’s so impressive about Szoboszlai is that he could probably perform both those roles to devastating effect too.
He is a creative metronome. A silky and elegant footballer when the ball is at his feet.
If recent rumours are believed to be true, then Szoboszlai could swiftly be on his way to gracing the elite competitions so Arsenal would need to act fast if they are to secure his excellent services.
A tall, rangy midfielder with remarkable trickery and an eye for the defence splitting pass. What’s also impressive about Szoboszlai is his versatility. Coach Jesse Marsch has deployed a variety of systems this current campaign, whether its a 4-4-2, 3-4-1-2 or 3-1-4-2. The 19-year-old is well capable of fulfilling a variety of positions. At no.10, no.8 as a deep-lying no.6 or even as a winger. How many of Arsenal’s midfielders can boast about such tactical flexibility and versatility?
Szoboszlai is a player blessed in performing actions in breaking down any type of defences. His nimble footwork and trickery means defenders just don’t know what he’ll do next whether its dribble past his marker to form a decisive pass into his forwards. It’s that unpredictability in his game that sets him apart from his teammates. His actions around the final third are so effective, that his teammates too, are surprised by his passes or pieces of skill to disorganise defences.
The Hungarian stands at 6’1 which is remarkably tall for a creative player, but that is a strength for him rather than a weakness. He may not be physically strong like most midfielders, but he sure knows to use his body to protect the ball and shield off his markers. It’s that trait coupled with his trickery and skill on the ball allowing him the ease and comfort in which to dribble past his markers. 6 goals and 9 assists after the restart, Szoboszlai is a man in such fine form.
Houssem Aouar, Lyon
Arguably one of the most gifted attacking midfielders in Europe right now. Lyon’s French maestro Houssem Aouar has rapidly turned a lot of heads with his standout performances for Lyon last campaign. Despite the clubs struggles domestically, he still ended the campaign with 9 goals and 7 assists from midfield.
Houssem Aouar is a creative metronome. A silky, effortless and elegant playmaker who’s performances on a football pitch so often leave his faithful Lyon fans on the edge of their seats. When the 22-year-old is in possession of the ball, something special is about to happen. Whether its within the final third or Aouar breaking into the attacking areas, his imagination and creativity is a constant threat to even the tightest defences. He’s a hard player to stop when he’s in full flow.
Aouar could be the perfect Mikel Arteta player. He’s a reliable presence, a leader on the pitch and a player who is not afraid to speak his mind if things don’t go his way. That’s what Arsenal need, players who are not afraid to speak out, who lead by example, and more importantly they need creativity in the final third. Houssem Aouar solves the issue in abundance.
Meticulous and extraordinary in tight-areas, he’s always able to conjure up magic even when surrounded by a few defenders. He holds the ability to pick out his teammates through them or use his extreme low sense of gravity, balance and silky footwork to dribble past them.
With Mesut Ozil’s services no longer required at the Emirates, Aouar could represent just the perfect replacement for the German. Lyon will indeed demand a relatively high fee for Aouar though, so Mikel Arteta will need to get Ozil off the wage bill to secure Aouar’s talented services.
Striker
Alexandre Lacazette’s immediate future is indeed uncertain right now, and with Pierre Emerick Aubameyang reportedly close to signing a new contract at the Emirates so Arteta must still prepare for the worst-case scenario and plan accordingly to fill any potential empty spots.
Preferably, a striker who not only scores goals but holds the ability to be hugely flexible when playing across the front-line and can also link up play well with his teammates:
Odsonne Edouard, Celtic
One of the finest strikers in the whole of Britain, if not Europe. If you need any evidence, then check his 2019/20 goalscoring feats.
Odsonne Edouard is an elegant, multi-functional player. The Frenchman oozes confidence, and quality when he steps on the pitch. Up-front maybe his natural position, but his contributions and influence in attack run deeper than that.
As well as his 22 Scottish Premier League goals, he also registered 7 assists last season as well as a hat-trick in the first game of the SPL 2020/21 season against Hamilton Academical showcasing his creative spark and abilities in the final third. As well as a natural goalscorer, he can also act as the team’s main creative force from the front in order to create space and opportunities for his teammates. He loves to drop into the half-space to exchange passes before moving into spaces vacated by the defence. While its so effective and complimentary of Celtic’s attacking play, it is also bamboozling for opposing defenders, they are often left confused as to who to pick up.
His dribbling abilities emerge from his South American roots. He is rarely exuberant all the showboating type with it, but he exhibits an effective use of his control in tight spaces and a technique which few players in the Scottish division can match. It’s abilities such as this, and his fantastic movement, link-up play that makes him such a dangerous commodity within the final third. The Frenchman averages 0.9 goals per 90 minutes, and 0.38 assists per 90. It’s no wonder why he is the Scottish Premiership’s most creative force.
Odsonne Edouard would be absolutely perfect for Mikel Arteta. He can perform on left like Aubameyang and can link-up play like Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman has got the lot; speed, trickery, strength, power, ball control and potency in front of goal.
Everything a manager desires in his frontman.
Donyell Malen, PSV Eindhoven
A footballer who once graced the Emirates stadium could be on his way back, a much better and more complete forward if reports are believed to be true.
From an Arsenal reject to one of Europe’s most coveted young forwards. PSV Eindhoven’s number nine, Donyell Malen has enjoyed a steady and impressive upward curve to stardom during his time at the Dutch giants. The striker has become one of the standout players in the Dutch Eredivisie this season, with 11 goals and two assists from 14 appearances.
Like Edouard above, Donyell Malen isn’t your average Joe centre-forward. 11 goals in 14 Eredivisie appearances is certainly no joke. Malen is the perfect mixture between the classic striker and the contemporary. He’s a very direct, pacey and agile forward mixed with an excellent blend of nimble, electric footwork. He’s a real nightmare for centre-backs due to his almost terrier-like bravery in running at defenders and beating them for sheer pace.
Despite all that, Malen still embodies the characteristics of a quintessential ‘Dutch no.9’, where there is a need to be more than just a typical goalscorer but a well-versed playmaker also. His dribbling, direct play, pace and agility has been paramount in PSV’s success this season.
My Picks:
3-4-3
4-2-3-1
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