Unai Emery’s debut season at the Gunners has seen the club improve drastically from the fateful final season under Arsene Wenger. Arsenal seems to have their identity back, with an emphasis on quick attacking football and a stronger defence compared to previous seasons.
But with the way that modern football operates, there will need to be significant reinforcements needed should the Gunners be hoping to be among the favourites for major honours with novibet.co.uk next season. It has been 15 years since Arsenal’s last Premier League title, and Emery could be the man to change that should he be given a war-chest and the freedom to bring in the players that match his style best. But, who fits the profile of player needed?
David Alaba
The Bayern Munich left-back has been one of the most consistent players in Europe since his move to the German giants. However, their recent record signing of Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid has thrown the Austrian internationals long-term future into doubt. Emery will surely be keeping an eye on the versatile player’s situation and could be ready to pounce.
Sead Kolašinac has had a solid season for the Gunners this year, but Alaba could take the team to the next level. He is confident on the ball and has the pace to burn. The left-back position has been a weak point for the club ever since Ashley Cole’s departure, with short term, fixes such as Gael Clichy, Nacho Monreal, and Kolašinac all papering over the cracks that remain in the back four. The Gunners shouldn’t pass-up the chance to buy a world class defender.
READ: “Welcome to Arsenal, David Alaba” – Arsenal fans go wild as Bayern Munich confirms £68 million deal
Yannick Carrasco
It is highly likely that the former Atletico Madrid midfielder will be back on the market this summer after becoming frustrated with life in China. It was a surprising turn of events when the winger moved to Asia, as he was one of the most promising players in the world at the time and was being looked at by a host of clubs. His move to Dalian Yifang has been indifferent, with his debut ending in an 8-0 defeat against Shanghai SPG. Since then he has made 27 appearances and has scored ten goals for the club.
While it is rare that a player of his calibre is free to move clubs, it also raises the question of whether the Gunners need another attacking player, or whether the strict wage budget will fit with Carrasco’s demands. Arsenal already has Alex Iwobi, Mesut Ozil, Alexander Lacazette, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan who can operate from the wing. Could the budget be spent better in a position that will strengthen the team? Of course, it could.
READ: Get to know Arsenal target – Yannick Carrasco
Samuel Umtiti
A player that will undoubtedly make Arsenal a strong team is Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti. With the Catalonian club looking to sign Matthijs de Ligt in the summer, it is likely that they will need to offload one of their defenders; and Umtiti seems set to be that player according to reports.
The chances of the Gunners attracting the French World Cup winner could hinge on Champions League qualification. Should the club not finish within the top four then it’s highly likely that the 25-year-old will move elsewhere. However, if the Gunners qualify for the European competition, then that could tempt Umtiti to make the move. The only other stumbling block in the move could be the transfer fee and wages that he will ask for. But, the hierarchy at the club should consider what he will bring to the team and the quality that he has; both at present and the potential that comes with his age. Umtiti could turn Arsenal into serious Premier League contenders again.
