Who should Arteta target if Kroenke sanctions summer spending?

Tariq Lamptey

Who should Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta target if owner Stan Kroenke sanctions summer spending? 

By Bradley West

Yes, Arsenal have just completed the double over Chelsea for the first time in 17 years and that is an achievement to be proud of. 

But, it’s fair to say that this season hasn’t quite worked out as many fans would have hoped in Mikel Arteta’s first full campaign in charge. 

For too long now the club has accepted mediocrity. The Emirates, and Gunners fans, deserve Champions League football. 

With a hugely talented young core including the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, there are positives signs for the future but this summer is vital. 

If Stan Kroenke wants to try and appease fans after the European Super League debacle then he should dip into his own pocket and put his money where his mouth is to instantly improve the squad with a raft of summer signings. 

He’s promised it on internal calls, but actions speak far louder than words. 

If he does do that, and that is a monumentally big if, then there a few men who should be top of the list of targets. 

Houssem Aouar 

With Thomas Partey having as yet failed to fully impress, the midfield is still an area that needs definite strengthening and the 22-year-old Lyon man could add some real bite. 

It is no secret that the Gunners were after the French international last summer but felt Lyon’s asking price was just too steep. 

Alongside the steel of Partey, Aouar, who has weighed in with six goals and three assists in Ligue 1 this season, could add the creative spark that Arteta’s side often lack from central midfield. 

Houssem Aouar

Clubs often demand over the odds but, for once, it would be nice to just spend what is needed to improve the squad with Aouar. 

Yves Bissouma 

Even if Aouar joins, depth has long been an issue for Arsenal and the highly-rated Brighton midfielder Bissouma could be a sensational purchase in that regard. 

The 24-year-old Mali international is a bundle of energy in central areas and his performances for the Seagulls have prompted a range of clubs to become interested. 

Let’s hope this is not another tale of the one that got away, as Bissouma could be the perfect fit for a side too often lacking that drive and push which the winning sides often have. 

Ibrahima Konate 

Gabriel and the as yet unproved William Saliba have long been touted as Arsenal’s centre-back pairing of the next decade. 

That could still come together of course, but strength in depth is still badly needed the back – especially in the central positions. 

Leipzig’s Konate is said to be target of Liverpool, who are apparently set to trigger his release clause come the end of the season but could the Gunners swoop in? 

Potential Champions League football and a more recent history of success may make Anfield a more promising proposition but if Arteta can convince him that his project is worth pursuing then a real gem could be on Arsenal’s hands. 

At just 21 years old the Frenchman is one of Europe’s most highly-rated prospects and would transform our defence.  

Tariq Lamptey 

With another eye on youth and Brighton, young right-back Tariq Lamptey could add a whole lot more dynamism to Arsenal’s defence. 

With Hector Bellerin’s future unknown, Lamptey could be a superb replacement – but he would also be a brilliant addition even if Bellerin was to stay. 

Especially with his attacking prowess, Lamptey has shown himself to be a brilliant talent and a shrewd move as his value continues to rise would be fantastic this summer. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Popular posts from this blog

What have we learned from Arsenal's pre-season so far?

Image
  Arsenal – what have we learned from pre-season? By Jack Lacey-Hatton It only feels five minutes since Euro 2020, but incredibly we are just one week away from the new Premier League season starting. Arsenal will travel to newly promoted Brentford for a London derby in front of a noisy crowd next Friday night, not the easiest of starts to the new campaign. But what sort of shape are Mikel Arteta’s side in, going into what could be a defining season for the manager? We took a close look at what we have learnt from the pre-season period and what kind of shape the squad are in.   The new signings are ready to go It has been a mixed transfer window so far. Some fans would have expected more both leaving and arriving at the Emirates stadium over the summer. But positives can be taken - Ben White has arrived from Brighton for £50million, and highly-rated full back Nuno Tavares has come in from Benfica. Albert Sambi Lokonga completes the 2021 summer singings so far. Cruc...
Read more

Transfer Profile: Ruben Neves

Image
Transfer Profile: Ruben Neves By Jonny Bray It is hard to believe that Ruben Neves is still only 25-years-old.   It feels as if the Portuguese international has been tipped for big things for nearly a decade now.  With the midfielder out of contract in 2023, it appears his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers could be coming to an end.  Understandably, with a player like Neves on offer for a reduced price, clubs around Europe are queueing up to secure the international's signature.  So, after all this time, should Arsenal move for Ruben Neves now, or is it time for the Gunners to turn their attention to a new target?  What would he bring?  Arsenal do not have enough defensive midfielders.  Martin Ødegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka give Mikel Arteta plenty of midfield options going forward, but the Gunners have been found lacking when out of possession this season. Thomas Partey has been in and out of the side due to injuries, a fact that has not hel...
Read more

Where will Arsenal finish this season?

Image
Where will Arsenal finish this season? By Alec McQuarrie Arsenal have made steady improvement over the last few seasons under Mikel Arteta. After finishing 8th in his debut season, the Spaniard oversaw a five-point improvement in his first full campaign.  And last year an eight-point leap followed, which was unfortunately not enough to pip Tottenham to fourth place.  Cruelly, the 69 points accumulated would have been enough to seal Champions League qualification in the previous two seasons.  Looking at the trajectory over the Arteta era, it would be fair to assume a continued improvement this coming season.  After all, with five signings already secured this summer and Alexandre Lacazette the sole first-team player to depart, surely fourth place should be a bare minimum expectation.  Oleksandr Zinchenko offers much-needed cover at left-back and competition for central midfield.  Gabriel Jesus is a proven goalscorer and brings a tireless work-ethic to fulfil...
Read more