Attention at Arsenal is turning towards the upcoming January transfer window.
There are issues in Mikel Arteta’s squad that need addressing, that have been exposed by the start that Arsenal have made to the new season.
Arsenal have endured an injury crisis already this season, with the likes of Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, and Mikel Merino, amongst others, all having missed significant games. Ben White is now set for a spell on the sidelines.
Arteta’s decision to let Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe leave Arsenal in the summer was shown to be a mistake, as Odegaard’s injury left the Gunners with a dearth of creativity in their ranks. Meanwhile, a lack of goalscorers has also proved to be an issue.
Arsenal need to fund support for Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz is currently the first choice to lead the line at the Emirates Stadium, with Gabriel Jesus failing to seriously challenge for a starting berth.
The German has generally done a good job. Havertz even matched an Arsenal record set by Robin van Persie earlier this season, but the truth is that the 25-year-old is not the most prolific of strikers.
Whilst Arteta needs to consider bringing in a new No. 9, he must also think about the kind of service that Havertz currently receives, particularly from the wide areas.
Arsenal lack reliable cover for Bukayo Saka, with Raheem Sterling having failed to impress since his arrival from Chelsea on loan. In order to get more out of Havertz, and to give Saka the cover he needs, Arteta needs to add a new winger to his ranks.
With this in mind, Arsenal must rekindle their interest in Raphinha. The Barcelona winger is admired by Arteta, has Premier League experience from his time with Leeds United, and would add both goal threat and creativity to the Spanish coach’s squad.
The 27-year-old Brazilian has been in fine form so far this season, having racked up 12 goals and 10 assists in 17 appearances for Barcelona, across all competitions.
Raphinha could take the Gunners to the next level, offering competition for Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on either flank, and would deliver the kind of service into the box that Havertz could thrive off.
Mikel Arteta meets with Kroenke family after Edu Gaspar exit
Arsenal’s transfer plans will inevitably have been impacted by Edu Gaspar’s recent resignation as sporting director.
The Brazilian enjoyed a close and effective working relationship with Arteta, and spearheaded the club’s plans and negotiations in the transfer market.
After Edu’s exit, meetings were held between Arteta, the club’s managing director Richard Garlick, and majority owner Stan Kroenke and his son, Josh Kroenke, as reported by Football.London.
In these discussions, the club’s transfer plans without Edu in charge will have been on the agenda. No doubt, signing a new striker, and attacking reinforcements, to support and compete with Havertz will have come up. Making such an addition has to be Arsenal’s priority in the January transfer window.
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