How is Arsenal's squad looking after a busy summer?

How is Arsenal's squad looking after a busy summer?

By Jonny Bray
There have been several big transfer stories so far this summer.
Arsenal have made some exciting signings, while other clubs have also seemed keen to splash the cash.
But after such a busy summer, what is the Arsenal squad looking like ahead of the 2022/23 campaign?

Goalkeeper

The Gunners look as if they could still sell Bernd Leno to Fulham.
If they don't, though, they'll have three exciting options in goal ahead of the news season.
Aaron Ramsdale proved a lot of people wrong last season, making the position his own while also putting his hand up for recognition on the international stage.
Finally, Arsenal have Matt Turner, who will hopefully provide adequate cover for the England international.

Defence

Arsenal's starting back four is strong and hasn't needed much investment this summer.
The centre-back pairing is solid, with Ben White likely to improve during his second season at a top side.
Similarly, Gabriel is an excellent player and deserves to be heralded as one of the best defenders in the league.
Furthermore, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are two of the best full-backs in the league.

Midfield

Fábio Vieira has joined the club this summer.
He looks like an exciting creative addition to Mikel Arteta's side, having proved himself an influential force while at FC Porto.
The club have been linked with moves for stars like Sergej Milinković-Savić and Youri Tielemans, with either star bound to add some much-needed quality to the midfield.
However, even if Arsenal sign no one, there is still plenty of talent in this area of the pitch.
Martin Ødegaard was one of the most exciting young players in the league last season, while players like Granit Xhaka also proved their worth when given the opportunity.

Forwards

Arsenal have an abundance of talent out wide but lack a first-choice number nine who can lead the line and grab a goal.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both offer outstanding options on the wing, but new signing Gabriel Jesus has played much of his best football out wide rather than at number nine, where he is desperately needed.
Eddie Nketiah looked every part the number nine Arsenal need in the final months of last season, but there are still question marks surrounding the young star.

Depth

This is where the Arsenal squad begins to unravel.
The starting XI is really strong, but there are huge gaps at holding midfield, full-back and striker.
Last season, the Gunners missed out on Champions League football because the squad could not handle the impact of one or two injuries in crucial areas of the pitch.
If Mikel Arteta does not act now, the same could happen this season.
For example, if Tierney picks up a serious injury and is out for much of the season, then the drop-off in quality is enormous.
The same could be said for centre-back and at striker.
If Arteta can resolve these issues ahead of the start of the season in August, then the squad is well placed to challenge for a top-four spot this season.
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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