Three players who could take Arsenal up another level in the summer



Three players who could take Arsenal up another level in the summer


It’s a good time to be a Gooner right now, isn’t it?

Mikel Arteta is doing a remarkable job both on and off the pitch, with the toxic atmosphere that surrounded the club in the recent past now feeling like decades ago. Despite the negativity completely subsiding, the club’s hierarchy will be fully aware that a slump is just around the corner in the ruthless world of football. As such, the Gunners must keep on building.

Over the years, alongside retaining star players and tying down managers on longer contracts, a way in which a club can keep growing is by continually evolving on the pitch, largely by recruiting key players in important areas. With the evolution under Arteta ultimately still in its early stages, the club will surely be assessing any summer targets in order to keep the team fresh and the club moving in the right direction. Of course, there is a fine line between adding players for the sake of it and actually strengthening where you need to, but if Arsenal want to be in the title discussion for years to come and looking like a viable title pick for fans when assessing the season’s Premier League odds, then bolstering the squad is a necessity. As we’re already finding out with Leandro Trossard, a new acquisition can elevate standards and make a massive difference.

The best sides in history have always refreshed their squads, particularly if there’s some deadwood lingering. While Arsenal’s season is going extremely well, it’s ultimately only one season of notable progress under Arteta. In order to keep the momentum building and to enable the side to continue challenging, the Spaniard will surely be assessing a number of players ahead of making a few moves in the summer window. So, with that in mind, let’s assess three players who could potentially arrive at the Emirates during the summer break.

Ollie Watkins

Although Eddie Nketiah has waited patiently in the wings for a proper run in the Arsenal side, there are understandable doubts as to whether or not he has the required quality to lead the Gunners forward line. As such, the club will surely look to bolster the team’s attacking options in the summer and add some proven quality alongside Gabriel Jesus. Step forward, Ollie Watkins. The Aston Villa striker might seem like a strange shout to some, but he has the natural game to slot perfectly into Arsenal’s line-up as and when needed. Watkins might not be a starter, but he will provide some solid competition for Jesus. The lack of goals from the Brazilian could become more of a concern in the long run when other members of the team aren’t pitching in, making a striker addition in the shape of Watkins an interesting option. Watkins has led the line for Aston Villa on his own on numerous occasions, he has goals in him, his work rate is exceptional, and, at the age of 27, he is entering his prime. While snapping up Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa might not seem like a fashionable acquisition, it makes a lot of sense.

Mason Mount

When football fans read their various football-related materials ahead of the weekend’s games, such as any transfer news or Arsenal betting tips, it’s impossible to ignore the drama surrounding Chelsea’s Mason Mount at the moment. A Stamford Bridge exit appears to be on the cards for the versatile midfielder, with Liverpool apparently circling. Although Arsenal have players who are arguably better than Mount in the positions he occupies, adding him to the Arsenal squad would still appeal. Mount is out of form, but he has also suffered from a constant change in approach at Chelsea and a failure to nail down a favoured position. At Arsenal, that wouldn’t be the case, with Mikel Arteta keen to play players in their natural positions. With that in mind, Mason Mount occasionally playing alongside the likes of Martin Ødegaard and Thomas Partey in the Arsenal engine room could happen.

Ivan Toney 

If Ollie Watkins is a forward option you can’t endorse, then Ivan Toney might be. An undoubted target for many clubs come the end of the season, Toney’s goals in the Premier League make him a viable forward option for most clubs. Arsenal have certainly lacked a physical presence in forward areas over the years, hence why adding a completely different proposition alongside Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus might be something for Mikel Arteta to think about. At the time of writing, Toney is near the top of the Premier League scoring charts, playing in a Brentford side that creates a few chances a game. Toney would therefore surely feast in this Gunners team.

 

 

 

 

 


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