Arsenal’s summer transfer window could determine whether or not the Gunners finish in the top four next season, and given how much work that needs to be done, shrewd free agent signings could be an approach the club take this summer.
Whilst a central midfielder and starting striker remain the Gunners’ most important new additions, quality backup options could be just as necessary, with a lack of squad depth a key reason why Arsenal have bottled a top-four finish this season.
One effective way of signing good backup players is looking at the free-agent market, and here are five names Arsenal should consider signing as we slowly approach the summer transfer window.
Djibril Sidibe
Djibril Sidibe was once viewed as one of the best right-backs in Europe after AS Monaco’s Ligue 1 win in 2017 and his bit-part role in France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph. Yet like most players, a move to Everton ruined all that, with the defender not looking the same since his loan at Goodison Park.
And now in 2022, Sidibe looks set to leave Monaco as a free agent, and for Arsenal, the France international could be a huge upgrade on Cedric Soares, who this season has been a divisive figure amongst supporters after several inconsistent performances.
Boubacar Kamara
With some big names set to become free agents this summer, it seems only fair that Arsenal should get involved in all the action, and Olympique Marseille star Boubacar Kamara could be an excellent addition for the north London side.
An incredible defensive midfielder at only 23-years-old, Kamara could be the long-term partner to Thomas Partey many Arsenal fans have been crying out for, though the Senegal international’s reported £150,000-a-week wage demands could be a sticking point.
Florian Grillitsch
Another central midfielder who could slot straight into the Arsenal XI next season is Hoffenheim star Florian Grillitsch, who has announced he will be leaving the Bundesliga side this summer at the end of his contract.
A full international with Austria and able to play as a centre-back if needs be, Grillitsch could offer vital protection in the midfield that Arsenal have been lacking in Partey’s absence, and the 26-year-old could replace Mohamed Elneny should the Egyptian leave at the end of his deal.
Cyle Larin
If there’s one position Arsenal should strongly consider looking at the free-agent market for, it’s the striker role, and Besiktas star Cyle Larin could be the perfect candidate for the vacant spot with the Gunners, especially as a second-choice option.
Able to play both as the main man up front or out on the left wing, Larin would be providing goals to two key areas that Arsenal have lacked firepower in this season, and the Canadian international’s record in recent years has been impressive, to say the least.
Divock Origi
Another striker who could be an incredible addition for Arsenal this summer is none other than Liverpool legend Divock Origi, who is set to leave Anfield at the end of this season with AC Milan reportedly very interested in the Belgian international.
A proven goalscorer in both the Premier League and in Europe, Origi could be the ideal second-choice attacker for Arsenal if Arteta goes all out on a world-class striker, with the Liverpool star comfortable playing second fiddle as we have seen during his time with the Reds.
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