Quantcast

Arsenal Times Scout Report Who will Arsenal Bring In


By Matty Sadler
July 2 2020

The unfortunate reality is you could make strong cases for Arsenal needing improvements in every area of the team, but it is vital that we at least start strengthen our spine. There is a a great set of youngsters in-and-around the first team and this has given me so much joy during two disappointing seasons. Our younger players really aren’t our biggest problem, it is the senior players.

Ins and Outs? Strong cases for Arsenal needing improvements in every area

Under Arteta the wide positions (full backs and wingers) have really started to take shape recently, so unless something too good to turn down presents itself I think we really need to focus on strengthening our spine.

Centre Back

The biggest stumbling block for strengthening the defence is that we have so many CBs already. Mari and Saliba are signed up for the long term. Fortunately, worst case scenario, Luiz, Sokratis and Mustafi will all be gone by next summer at the latest. I like Chambers and Holding, certainly as squad players at least, but both could be candidates to go as well. Mavropanos has had a bit of a nightmare fitness-wise since 2018 and may want first team football and a fresh start.

In terms of central defenders, the name that has kept coming up for months now is Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano. It is easy to see why Arsenal might be interested – he’s aggressive, athletic and proactive. So proactive, in fact, that he is one of the most prolific ‘progressive passers’ in Europe’s top five leagues. It is his immense quality on the ball and positive play that I suspect would appeal to Arsenal. He’s a very unique defender, but isn’t without his bad points. A few times when I’ve seen him this season I’ve seen him get too tight to his man, or be a bit overeager, and get caught out or caught the wrong side. This isn’t uncommon with young defenders, but as well as this, it is a part of his aggressive style. Playing/ bringing the ball out from the back can be risky as well. Both of these areas can be improved with coaching and experience though. He isn’t anything special in the air either. Entering into the last year of his contract, he could be available for a lower fee than his £55 million release clause and in terms of his profile and style of play, I think he could be the perfect partner for Saliba.

Another option, not dissimilar in style to Upamecano, could be Brighton’s Ben White. He’s really impressed at Leeds this season. Aggressive, mobile and good on the ball, apparently he could be available for £35 million. His lack of top flight experience is something to consider for sure, but I think he is well worth the risk. Liverpool are apparently interested. Free agent Malang Sarr, Villa's Tyrone Mings and Norwich’s Ben Godfrey are other options.

Central Midfield

Without doubt this is the area that needs the most work. For years under Wenger the Gunners were still able to finish top four, despite having@#$%&defenders, largely because we had a quality midfield, like Rosicky-Fabregas-Flamini-Hleb for example, and good forwards ahead of them. Midfield is the most important position in football and at the moment ours isn’t up to it. A better midfield could transform us, just look at United since they signed Bruno. Both in modern football and more specifically what Arteta is trying to do, the key is ‘complete midfielders’ without limitations, or at the very least hybrid midfielders – 6/8’s and 8/10s like Rodri, Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and De Bruyne. Unfortunately the luxury #10 player has been finished for a while…

In terms of our current midfielders: I do like Xhaka. He has his limitations but is so important for us, and has looked much better under Arteta. He is far from our biggest problem. I am a believer in Willock and Guendouzi generally, but particularly in their physical potential. I really like Smith Rowe as well. I see many compare him to de Bruyne, and whilst I can see what they mean, at the moment he is more of a ‘ball carrier’, so I’d like to see more final ball from him. All three are good but they aren’t there yet. Ceballos is aesthetically pleasing but has been so ineffective for most of this season. However, Arteta is clearly a fan so I wouldn’t be against him signing permanently, provided it’s a really good deal in Arsenals favour. Torreira has struggled to reproduce his end of 2018 form and has been linked with returns to Italy consistently ever since signing for us, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was off.

Similarly to Upamecano, the recurring name Arsenal been heavily linked with for months is Atletico’s Thomas Partey, the very definition of a ‘complete midfielder’. He’s an athletic ball-winner and good on the ball. If I’m being honest though, I’ve been sceptical about this one all along as I’ve found it hard picturing a top midfielder leaving a Champions League side for a side who may not even be in the Europa League next season, but the rumours just won’t away. £42 million rumoured fee. We will see… A less spectacular but cheaper alternative that has emerged over the last few days is Porto’s Danilo.

In terms of 8/10’s there are so many great players we could make available. If and when Villa go down, I’d definitely be looking at Jack Grealish. What a player, in an awful side. He’s versatile, a leader and a bit of a maverick, plus he has previously said how much he loves playing at the Emirates on social media… Dominik Szoboszlai is one I’ve liked this season. It could be particularly interesting as he’s apparently available for less than £25 million, but unfortunately I think he may be going to Napoli.

Centre Forward

Centre Forward is the least pressing issue, depending on Aubameyang. My heart says get him signed up for the rest of his career, but my head doesn’t want another Ozil situation, and thinks we should cash in while we can. Lacazette should be sold either way. Nketiah and Martinelli are great talents who need to be given chances. John-Jules and (hopefully) Balogun could be knocking on that door before long as well.

Many online have touted Odsonne Edouard recently, who I think would be an improvement on Lacazette if he left. An interesting rumour that emerged today is Memphis Depay from Lyon. Flopped at Man United but he’s been great for Lyon and is able to play on the left, off the striker or as a “false 9”. He did his ACL in December, which is concerning, but his contract is up at the end of next season so he could be available for cheap. Worth keeping an eye on.

A bit of a left field option that emerged from a conversation I had on Twitter recently, Edinson Cavani is out of contract. The main reason I started considering this was after seeing us linked with Wolfsburg's Wout Weghorst, who basically sounds like a more mobile Giroud. Although Cavani would want big wages (though only for a year or two), there would be no transfer fee and he would bring a different profile to any of the other strikers on our books, which would be great now we have good crossers like Saka and Pepe in the squad. He would bring a wealth of top level experience and wouldn’t get in the way of the youngsters.

----------

It is easier said than done, but if we can get the right balance between giving our excellent youngsters opportunities and getting back into the Champions League, we could be set for years to come. With Liverpool and City already miles ahead of us, Chelsea having started spending early, Man United sure to spend, plus Leicester and Wolves right up there now as well, this next transfer window could be one of our most important yet.

A central defender, (at least) two midfielders and a resolution to the Aubameyang situation would be a great window. I think a lot depends on who we’re able to get rid of…

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

Arsenal Times Scout Report Who will Arsenal Bring In
Discussion started by Arsenal Times , 02/07/2020 16:52
Arsenal Times
02/07/2020 16:52
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:07:04:23:30:00 by Padre Pio.

weedz
03/07/2020 00:12
Very good analysis Matty
Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't Luiz's contract been extended for 1 more season?
Head on the line, I think Partey will be here next season, with Guendouzzi going to Ath. Madrid.
It's not that I don't rate Gwen, but his mentality is similar to what I saw with Nasri. Too much ego to be a great team player IMO. Torreira is turning into a sick note because of his small stature and would probably be better suited to Italy or Spain.
Cabelos should be kept IMO.
So a CMF of Xhaka, Partey, Wilock, AMN, Cabalos and Ozil, with both Luiz and Chambers to cover DMF
Rid ourselves of Laca, whose simply been rubbish for the last 12mths and try to hold on the Auba.But if Auba goes, we must replace Laca as well. I'm a fan of Depay and see him as an option, for the same reasons you gave. We do have an extraordinary number of young talented forwards coming thru, so that's where I'd look to and bring them thru
Kolasinac, Sokartis, Mustaffi, and Morvanpanos should all be sold to bring in Upanecano and a new LB.
That's how I see it. What do ya reckon?

Since the end of WW1, 1919, when the FA restarted its 4 tier football league, with Arsenal fc in the 1st div, there’s only ever been one club to have never been relegated from Div 1/ EPL.

Arsenal fc

Let’s keep making history

Merlion96
03/07/2020 01:37
Doubt Sanllehi will cash in on Auba as his valuation depreciates rapidly due to COVID-19 and on his last year of contract.
It is cheaper to hold onto him and let him leave on a Bosman.
Of course, he can go if someone willing to table 56 to 60-mil for him, which is highly unlikely now.

"The idea is to be more unpredictable every year and be more difficult for the opponents to stop and nullify what we want to do. That’s what we have now, especially at the back and in the midfield the options we have, to open up the spaces, we have many more options than we had last year.” Mikel Arteta

MattySadler
03/07/2020 06:51
Quote:
weedz
Very good analysis Matty
Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't Luiz's contract been extended for 1 more season?
Head on the line, I think Partey will be here next season, with Guendouzzi going to Ath. Madrid.
It's not that I don't rate Gwen, but his mentality is similar to what I saw with Nasri. Too much ego to be a great team player IMO. Torreira is turning into a sick note because of his small stature and would probably be better suited to Italy or Spain.
Cabelos should be kept IMO.
So a CMF of Xhaka, Partey, Wilock, AMN, Cabalos and Ozil, with both Luiz and Chambers to cover DMF
Rid ourselves of Laca, whose simply been rubbish for the last 12mths and try to hold on the Auba.But if Auba goes, we must replace Laca as well. I'm a fan of Depay and see him as an option, for the same reasons you gave. We do have an extraordinary number of young talented forwards coming thru, so that's where I'd look to and bring them thru
Kolasinac, Sokartis, Mustaffi, and Morvanpanos should all be sold to bring in Upanecano and a new LB.
That's how I see it. What do ya reckon?

Thanks mate. Yes Luiz, Sokratis and Mustafi are all contracted until the end of 20-21 that's what I meant by gone by next summer at the latest. I have my doubts we'll be able to sell them.

I'm skeptical about Partey just because of who he is and where he is coming from, but then I think about last summer. I identified Pepe as my first choice winger signing partway through last season because we need goals from other areas and his G+A numbers were unreal, but I genuinely ruled it out as a possibility when we didn't get into the Champions League. As it turns out nothing is impossible. I think Partey would be a marquee signing and could totally change our midfield.

My favourite thing about Guendouzi is his character. He is a good talent but he importantly doesn't like losing. That Villa game where he dragged us to a comeback win on his own was special. He is also a bit of an @#$%&. For years we've been too "nicey nice" and I don't like it. Part of the reason I want Grealish as well, although I worry he will go to United or something.

Ceballos is a weird one for sure. His performances against Burnley and Norwich at home were just so, so good, if he played like that every week there's no way Real Madrid would be loaning him out. That's two performances though. Otherwise I think he's been average at best this season, and often pretty ineffective. Arteta's comments made it sound like he does want him back next season, though he may just be saying the right things... I'd be fine with it if it was a deal which suited us, but I don't want to commit lots of money towards another loan, and personally I think he'll go back to Spain.

Chambers was arguably one of our best players before he got injured. He is homegrown and can play three positions to a good Premier League standard. I have no problems with him staying as part of the squad, just felt numerically if we do want to bring any CBs in, some have to go, and Chambers, Holding and Mavropanos would be easier to cash in on than Luiz, Sokratis and Mustafi. The best sides always have one or two reliable utility men in their squad though. Chambers and AMN could be ours.

I'd definitely like some transfer dealings done in the wide areas in an ideal world, I just felt that we have the bones of our starting wide players alreay taking shape with Tierney, Saka, Martinelli and possibly Aubameyang on the left, and Cedric, Bellerin/ AMN and Pepe/ Nelson on the right, so feel the spine should be our priority. I mentioned Aarons on here last season while he was still in the Championship, and despite playing in an awful Norwich side I'm still a fan. He could be available on the cheaper side if they go down. Kolasinac isn't very good and is on way too big a wage to be a second choice left back. Jamal Lewis, also of Norwich, is an option we could consider, but honestly I'm struggling for other realistic second choice left back possibilities. Stop me if I'm being a bit too 'Football Manager' here, but in theory we could fund signing Aarons and Lewis for what we'd be able to sell Bellerin, Kolasinac, and possibly AMN as well, for. Not so sure we'll see that much being done in the wide positions though...

Two cheap outside of the box alternatives: Jeremy Ngakia, who I've seen play twice this season, has left West Ham for free but could be going to Liverpool, and Nathan Ferguson, who can play anywhere across a defensive line, has left West Brom for free but could be going to Crystal Palace.

weedz
03/07/2020 07:54
If we are talking LB backups, I have a left-field suggestion in Mings.
I can't see Villa staying up and he's Premier League quality. We might pick him up on the cheap, if they go down.
So obviously he'd come in as completion for Mari, but he's also an accomplished LB.
He's become a left-sided CB because of his size, but apart from crossing, he's got everything else to be a backup LB. lol a 6'4" LB.
And then there's Saka, if needed. I know he doesn't want it, but....

Since the end of WW1, 1919, when the FA restarted its 4 tier football league, with Arsenal fc in the 1st div, there’s only ever been one club to have never been relegated from Div 1/ EPL.

Arsenal fc

Let’s keep making history

MattySadler
03/07/2020 17:17
I reckon Villa would want at least 45m for Mings even if they do go down.

He isn't a player I know myself but I've heard good things about Tyrick Mitchell and apparently he wants out at Palace, presumably because Hodgson doesn't really give the kids much of a chance. Spurs are said to be interested so I just love the thought of us hijacking it.

Padre Pio
03/07/2020 19:41
Great job Matty, your the Chief Scout on AT

"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.

Lewis_198four
03/07/2020 23:25
We have that Spanish kid at left back too
Emery put him in the europa League squad
I forgot his name

AFC
RULE!

Merlion96
03/07/2020 23:54
Matty, how is John-Jule developing?

"The idea is to be more unpredictable every year and be more difficult for the opponents to stop and nullify what we want to do. That’s what we have now, especially at the back and in the midfield the options we have, to open up the spaces, we have many more options than we had last year.” Mikel Arteta

MattySadler
04/07/2020 05:47
Quote:
Lewis_198four
We have that Spanish kid at left back too
Emery put him in the europa League squad
I forgot his name

Joel Lopez? Think he's only played once for the U23s so far.

MattySadler
04/07/2020 05:51
Quote:
Merlion96
Matty, how is John-Jule developing?

Played a handful of games for Lincoln scoring once. Looked okay albeit in a poor side.

He's an interesting player, very hardworking and intelligent in his movement and link-up play. Good finisher as well. I've liked him when I've seen him and Arteta spoke highly of him recently, saying what a well-rounded player he is. I just wonder if he has that bit of something special you need at the highest level.

Boston Gooner
04/07/2020 14:15
Think things may not be so bad for us next season.

“ 𝓥𝓲𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓼 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ”



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:07:04:15:00:00 by Boston Gooner.

Lewis_198four
04/07/2020 14:46
Quote:
MattySadler
Quote:
Lewis_198four
We have that Spanish kid at left back too
Emery put him in the europa League squad
I forgot his name

Joel Lopez? Think he's only played once for the U23s so far.

Yeah him
He’ll play next season probably

AFC
RULE!

Boston Gooner
04/07/2020 14:57
Quote:
Boston Gooner
The transfer window opens 26th July.
This week we have tied Saka and Martinelli to long contracts.
Great news.

We have Saliba available next season.

The reports that we will sign Partey are hopefully true.
Have seen that Xhaka may have to be moved on for that to happen though.

Still think if the reports are true about Aubameyangs wage demands we should be keeping him.
That will also be great news.
Will be good value for a tried and tested premiership goal scorer.
He's in great shape and to replace him would cost a hell of a lot more and no guarantee that player would fit in.

So leading up to the window could look good for us.
Plus if we get Partey and keep Aubameyang players may be a bit more likely to sign for us.

“ 𝓥𝓲𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓼 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ”

MattySadler
05/07/2020 16:05
An interesting transfer rumour today. ..

Being linked with Sassuolo's ex-Chelsea youngster Jeremie Boga. Born in France but capped once for the Ivory Coast, he's 23 and primarily plays as a right footed left winger, but can play anywhere across the forward line. 11 goals and 4 assists this season. Very, very skillful.

Also added extra he joined Chelsea as a 12 year old so he would count towards the home grown quota.

Boston Gooner
06/07/2020 20:17
Lots of talk about Allan Saint-Maximin.
And some reports we are in talks.

“ 𝓥𝓲𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓼 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ”

MattySadler
09/07/2020 17:27
I may be wrong but according to the latest financial news, KSE could be investing. Potentially very exciting!

Boston Gooner
09/07/2020 18:27
Quote:
MattySadler
I may be wrong but according to the latest financial news, KSE could be investing. Potentially very exciting!

😲😳🤔

“ 𝓥𝓲𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓼 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ”

goonerred
09/07/2020 19:05
Quote:
Boston Gooner
Quote:
MattySadler
I may be wrong but according to the latest financial news, KSE could be investing. Potentially very exciting!

😲😳🤔
Who or what is KSE?

Flava
09/07/2020 19:12
Kroenke Sports Entertainment

goonerred
09/07/2020 19:17
Quote:
Flava
Kroenke Sports Entertainment
Oh that twank, that's never exciting.

SuperRob
09/07/2020 19:42

Boston Gooner
09/07/2020 19:54
Quote:
SuperRob
https://twitter.com/SwissRamble/status/1281255992957771776

I should emphasise that we have not yet seen the terms of the KSE loan, so this is all speculative.

“ 𝓥𝓲𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓼 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ”

MattySadler
09/07/2020 20:03
It might, and let's face it probably does, mean nothing, or it may be for greater financial flexibility, such as in the transfer market.

Let's hope!

Boston Gooner
09/07/2020 20:09
Quote:
MattySadler
It might, and let's face it probably does, mean nothing, or it may be for greater financial flexibility, such as in the transfer market.
Let's hope!

“ 𝓥𝓲𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓼 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ”

Merlion96
10/07/2020 10:56
Suspect it is more to reserve cash for the forthcoming massive losses for FY 2019/20 season.

"The idea is to be more unpredictable every year and be more difficult for the opponents to stop and nullify what we want to do. That’s what we have now, especially at the back and in the midfield the options we have, to open up the spaces, we have many more options than we had last year.” Mikel Arteta

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net
 

StreamFootball - Arsenal