We all know Mikel Arteta has a habit of going to Chelsea in the transfer market.
Since taking over as Arsenal manager in December 2019, he has signed six Chelsea players — almost one per year.
Willian, Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling crossed the London border before Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke joined last summer.
Now, Enzo Fernandez has been floated as another possibility, though that one looks highly unrealistic given the fee involved.
If you could sign any Chelsea player, who would it be and who would they replace at Arsenal?
The next Chelsea player Arsenal should actually target is Josh Acheampong.
The 20-year-old is reportedly keen to leave Stamford Bridge and explore new opportunities.
He will not come cheap, possibly up to £50million, but what he offers makes that fee entirely justifiable.
Josh Acheampong would solve two Arsenal problems at once
It is well documented that William Saliba is managing a back injury at the World Cup with France which might require surgery post-tournament.
That would mean he would miss the start of next season’s Premier League title-defending campaign.
Mikel Arteta, then, needs cover at centre-back. Ezri Konsa has been linked, but at 28, and considering the fee that Aston Villa would command, Acheampong is a more exciting proposition.
And crucially, like Konsa, the Chelsea defender can also play at right-back, another position Arsenal are actively trying to strengthen with Ben White’s future up in the air.
Arteta puts a lot of value in a player’s positional flexibility and versatility, and that is exactly the kind of smart business the champions should be doing.
Acheampong is raw, but his profile is so rare. Despite his age, he already has a commanding physical presence.
He has that same Saliba-esque ability to drive out of defence with the ball, carry it into midfield and break lines, which is difficult to find in a centre-back.
And what he can do technically, given his size and his mobility, is unbelievable. The potential there is enormous.
Arsenal should seriously reconsider selling Ben White
Right now, Arsenal should be reluctant to sell Ben White. At the moment, there is nobody on the market who is a clear upgrade on him.
Tino Livramento would have been a great pickup, but the club’s interest rightfully waned due to concerns with his injury record.
As for White, his fitness over the past couple of years has been a concern, but he showed during the run-in that he is still a high-quality Premier League defender.
He would have no doubt had a part to play in Thomas Tuchel’s England plans for the World Cup.
If they do sell him, Arsenal should be able to command around £30million for the 28-year-old if the right club comes in.
But having also missed the World Cup due to injury, Jurrien Timber’s availability for the start of the season is unknown.
Unless they really need the funds, Arsenal should keep White and bring in Acheampong.
The Gunners would have a dynamic, ball-playing defender capable of covering both positions, alongside the reliable White.
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