Arsenal’s team isn’t far from being title-worthy, and they came agonizingly close to capturing their first Premier League championship in 20 years.
The difference between former Gunners coach Mikel Arteta and former coach Pep Guardiola is still quite modest, even though the league title race came down to the very last day.
This article from talkSPORT.com examines how improving three crucial areas could reverse the two-point deficit from the previous season and return the Premier League trophy to north London.
Center-back Given that William Saliba and Gabriel have a great relationship that has helped Arsenal achieve the best defensive record in the league, the Gunners seem to have all they need in defense.
However, Arsenal would be wise to do the same as Manchester City’s depth in the squad frequently provides them the advantage in the exhausting finish.
Saliba played in all but two of Arsenal’s Premier League games, while Gabriel missed just two.
Arteta shouldn’t rely on the two players having another injury-free season. Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who is left-footed, is much desired by the Gunners.
The 18-year-old Dutchman has allegedly impressed Arsenal sporting director Edu, having played in all but one of Ajax’s Eredivisie games this season.
Hato might be the ideal backup to Saliba because of his ability to pass the ball well and his propensity to dribble out of defense and charge ahead.
Along with his fellow defenders, Arteta also likes versatile players, and he can play left back.
The young player may be attracted away in the summer even though he signed a new contract with Ajax in March of this year due to the club’s inability to secure European football.
Another left-footed defender who might have caught the Gunners’ attention is Jarrad Branthwaite, a transfer target for Manchester United.
The English center back, who made an impression at Everton, was included in Gareth Southgate’s 33-man preliminary Euros roster and is currently being linked to a major summer transfer.
Arsenal may also give Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen some consideration this transfer window if they plan to make a high-quality acquisition.
Leverkusen’s undefeated Bundesliga season has been greatly aided by the 25-year-old, who averages an amazing 2.11 and 7.07 progressive passes per ninety minutes.
Each would cost money and have three years left on their contracts, but they could all help Arsenal’s defense become more and more formidable.
Bukayo Saka has jumped into discussions about the elite level of player considered “world-class” with the same swiftness as he breaks free down Arsenal’s right wing.
Naturally, with 16 goals and 9 assists in the Premier League this season, the England star is a mainstay on any Arteta lineup.
Saka, who has played 47 times this season across all competitions, has nursed an injury throughout the closing stretch, yet the Gunners’ over-reliance on their 22-year-old star has resulted in subpar performances.
Given that Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson will both be leaving Arsenal this summer, it makes sense to add a backup to Saka to ensure that their academy product plays for the entirety of the season.
Many Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, have taken notice of Pedro Neto’s talent.
If it weren’t for his problematic injury history, the Wolverhampton Wanderers star would seem to be the best choice.
This season, he has missed 20 games due to injury across all competitions.
Nevertheless, Neto is still a possibility to increase the attacking threat in north London, having contributed nine assists in the 20 league games he did participate.
If the Portuguese winger’s injury concerns become too great, the Gunners may decide to focus on Johan Bakayoko, a target for Liverpool who has excelled at PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch champions.
The Belgian, who has 12 goals and nine assists in the Eredivisie last season, provides strong attacking contributions from the wing. At twenty-one, he might give Saka some more years of competition.
Attacker With Man City being the only team to surpass Arsenal’s 91 goals in the previous season, Arsenal appeared to have few concerns about their offensive production.
However, in a competition that was only separated by two points, Arsenal lost five league games last season—two more than City—wherein small gains were decisive.
They were unable to get through Aston Villa’s defense twice, and Arteta’s team was also held at bay by West Ham, Newcastle United, and Manchester City.
A factor might be the lack of confidence in Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus’ injury-plagued season, which kept him out of the starting lineup for extended periods of time.
Together, the two have scored nine goals so far this season.
Although Kai Havertz performed admirably in the position, Arsenal may have a better chance of winning the championship if they can locate an Erling Haaland replacement.
Victor Osimhen is still an enticing possibility despite recent injury troubles. He didn’t quite reach the goalscoring heights that propelled Napoli to a Seria A triumph in 2022–2023.
The Nigerian, who has scored 17 goals this season across all competitions, is connected to Chelsea, but he may potentially give the Gunners some much-needed firepower.
Nearer to home, Alexander Isak of Newcastle, who scored 21 goals to finish third in the Premier League, has been linked to Arsenal. Erling Haaland (27) and Cole Palmer (22) were the only players to score more.
Isak is a mainstay in many Fantasy Premier League lineups, and if Arteta decides to move to north London, he would be an as solid member of the team.
The Magpies intend to keep the Swede on staff, therefore there will undoubtedly be a cost associated with his services.
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