The vast majority especially Arsenal fans, attest to different perceptions on how they saw last season. Some would express an utter feeling of bewilderment concerning how Arsenal embraced a top four battle, and others would say it was hugely expected alongside many more.
The Gunners ended the 2022/23 premier league campaign in fifth (5th) position just two points outside the Champions League spot. It is totally unimaginable how much pain Arsenal and their fans must have felt after missing out on a champions league spot; in what was a long season with rollercoaster of emotions.
Various reasons were portrayed owing to the gunners missing out on a Champions League spot. Was it their lack of activity in the January transfer window? Or the lack of experience within the gunners squad? The answer still is in the hands of football fans individually.
Nonetheless, it was a good season for the gunners as they qualified for the 2022/23 Europa League campaign after missing out on any of the European competitions in the 2021/22 season.
After such an impressive 2021/22 season, Arsenal have since been busy in the transfer market; with the signings of Manchester City’s forward Gabriel Jesus, Porto’s Fabio Viera and Marquinhos from Sao Paulo, the gunners are currently building a team with good depth that could help them compete for more silverware this season.
Arsenal aren’t done yet, there would be more transfer signings this summer. In this article, we’d be looking at what positions needs strengthening in this current Arsenal team and potential targets.
What Positions Do Arsenal need to Strengthen This Transfer Window
Center back, midfield and right wing are the three positions that the Gunners would be looking to strengthen this summer. Lisandro Martinez of Ajax, is one player Arsenal are looking to sign this transfer window. However, the bid they placed was rejected by Ajax and Arsenal might have to look elsewhere as Manchester United are currently in poll position to sign the Argentine defender. ~ as per Fabrizio Romano
Other positions including the midfield, which needed rapid attention, seem to be going through its development, as links have been reportedly made with Serbian international Milinkovic Savic. It has been reported, that arsenal are interested in pursuing a deal for the 27-year-old lazio player, as signing a central midfielder is a priority for the gunners.
Speculations still surround a potential transfer for Youri Tielemans of Leicester, but patience and resilience are the watch words that must be by the majority, especially by fans of the gunners, as we await more news update on what is already been an exciting transfer window.
The last position that Arsenal would be looking to improve, is the right wing position. Bukayo Saka has made that position his, but Arsenal would still be looking to get a winger who can play on the right.
That winger won’t replace Bukayo Saka, instead, the winger would give Arsenal another option on the wing and would allow Bukayo Saka to get some this season.
Arsenal were heavily linked with Leeds united’s Raphinha this summer, but the Brazilian has only just signed for Barcelona ~ as per Fabrizio Romano
Which means Arsenal’s search for a right winger would continue. They’ve been linked with Bayern’s Serge Gnabry as well but those remain to be rumours.
What Next For Arsenal
Although, the desired goal for the gunners last season was not achieved, they can only grow from there. Their growth is specifically peculiar to involving new players with the project and development of the team.
As stated earlier, some say its the lack of squad development in the January transfer window, that put a dent in Arsenal’s top four finish. Otherwise, is being said by several others, which only leaves the answers to be provided by the Gunners.
Their defensive record was majorly improved, as they were able to sign former Brighton defender Benjamin White, Bologna player Takehiro Tomiyasu, along side Aaron Ramsdale from The Blades.
The development these signings provided to the team, was discernible. This development, also helped certain players like Aaron Ramsdale express himself through his talent on a bigger stage.
The young England international whose previous teams were relegated, took his stance in this Arsenal side, as he ended the season with 12 clean sheets ; only two behind Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy. He was also one of the only goalkeepers to surpass the 1000th mark for passes; providing 1,010 passes for the team, as well as completing 643 forward passes; which is 135 forward passes above Liverpool’s Alisson.
Several other players in the squad also extensively developed, providing them with more experience, and exposure to the premier league, like the hale end boys Bukayo Saka alongside Emile Smith Rowe, who both had a season with 10 and more G/A respectively.
Arsenal are on the right track and you can see what they are trying to build with Mikel Arteta. They have a project in mind and a really good summer transfer window can take them closer to their goals this season.
The addition and improvement of the positions mentioned earlier, could see the gunners challenge for silverware this season.
More from raensports:
