Arsenal’s progress was modest but evident last campaign as they went from midtable mainstays to champions league chasers. A slow start did have Arteta under severe pressure however. The “trust the process” slogan was brought out time and time again from those within and after losing the opening three league games deep down had the gunners fearing for the worst. Yet, a season of transition it turned out to be as the necessary task of offloading dead weight plus giving youngsters such as Emile Smith-Rowe and Eddie Nketia chances to shine. Inconsistency was a theme, although it was generally excepted that they were moving in a positive direction. One point that has to be made though is that the failure to qualify for champions league football when they were once in the hot seat does make attracting the top players that bit more of a tricky task.
No European football last year did put less of a strain on the squad, although at times they were still made to look bare in a far less demanding calendar. With Kieran Tierney not a reliable player in the sense that going a full season without injury is too much an ask, a left back is needed to challenge as the jury is till out for Nuno Tavares. Last season not one of Arsenal’s strikers outperformed their x.g showing a real lack of a clinical edge and with two out of three leaving then of course that is also an area to look at. A lack of depth in midfield will also be a place to keep an eye on. Lets narrow it down to five options to buy :
Josip Jaranovic: RB, Celtic, Value – £17.5 Million
Signed for a miniscule fee of £2.5 million last season for Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic, the versatility man enjoyed a terrific campaign domestically plus in Croatian national colours. Arsenal don’t have the luxury of injury free defenders it is fair to say, and with Jaranovic being able to play on both flanks plus at wing-back he could be a really useful asset for Mikel Arteta.
Some of his best matches last season were on the left-flank, in a 3-2 loss at Leverkusen he was outstanding that night and got himself on the scoresheet. In a stunning midweek match at Dingwall on a cold December evening he found himself playing right wing in a narrow victory.
Arsenal’s defence last campaign really lacked a bit of bite and only managed a 58% tackle perfection rate, where as in the World Cup qualifiers alone Jaranovic had a success rate of more than four in five ! Fabrizio Romano through a rumour out to his famous twitter page saying that the Croatian full back is likely to leave Scotland for a premier league side and with many interested, it would be fair to guess Arsenal were one of the pursuers. Although, he may not be at the top of the North-London’s side shortlist it would be an astute piece of business.
Rayan Ait-Nouri : LWB, Wolves, Value- £30 Million
Frenchman Ait-Nourri showed real progress last season and amid a hectic transfer window he will be on the shortlist of many pursuers. While rivals Chelsea look most likely to sign him up, a swoop from Arsenal could be on the cards. With Kieran Tierney constantly on the stretchers bed, plus Nuno Tavares showing defensive naivety from time to time, a solid in defence and attack Ait-Nouri would be a match in heaven at the Emirates.
A three at the back system at Wolves which uses wingbacks in a similar fashion to Arsenal will also give the wolves man a sense of familiarity with what instructions he would be asked to take out. Although, while Wolves were so defensively solid last season and had a generally quite safe style of play, it would be a different philosophy in how the formation would be carried out.
Yet a more attacking style also comes across as second nature for him, last season he made nearly 20 pressure a game which in all honesty is incredible and shows the vast amounts of intensity he can bring. Having started 53% of matches he has moved starting eleven mainstay Johnny as nailed on starter. The question is can he do that to Kieran Tierney ? Most likely not, but he would breathe down the neck anyway you can presume.
Youri Tielemans : CM, Leicester, Value – £40 Million
After two and a half solid seasons at Leicester, Youri Tielemans would be a perfect addition to an Arsenal midfield which despite it’s raw talent has proven to be slightly lightweight.
In Leicester’s rise which has saw them achieve a FA Cup, a community shield, two top six finishes and a European semi-final the Belgian has been an instrumental part in that progress and helped push the Foxes on to a new level. Its publicly known that Arsenal have shown interest his way although may be perhaps looking elsewhere, although in my opinion it is a deal which they should pursuit. Just one short of 50 appearances last season he is a man who can be relied on fitness wise, exactly what the gunners need.
The 25 year old has only twelve months left in his contract so could be signed for a decent price as well. Five goals for his talent-rich national side is no mean feat when he has the likes of Kevin De Bruyne to fight with for game time. With each passing day it looks less likely to happen and the rumours become that bit more quiet, a trick will certainly be being missed if it turns out that way.
Kyogo Furuhashi : St, Celtic, Value – £18 Million
Celtic this season dipped into the Japanese market time and time again, nevertheless a treat for the bhoys it proved to be. The premier signing Kyogo Furuhashi took to fire in Glasgow and there is no reason why he cant do just that for Arteta’s men. A system which Celtic play is mainly focused on direct-possession football, a very similar way to how he would play in this system south of the boarder. While on the ball he wont beat six players at a time, his game intelligence is world-class and movement and energy would have any defence on red alert.
With Arsenal needing a striker, this cheap option would be a complete steal and a stroke of genius. Moments such as THAT goal against Ferncvados occurred time and time again throughout a campaign where he became the darling of Celtic park. Yet having being injured for around five months the Japan international still managed twenty goals! On a long term contract with Postecoglou’s men it’s unlikely, however while some may stick their nose up at whether he has been tested at the top level, those who take the chance will reap the benefits.
Lautaro Martinex : St, Inter Milan, Value – £65 Million
Some would say a tad unrealistic while others would claim a luxury buy, however all would agree that a Martinez signing would take the gunners to a new level. Although, when you sign Nicolas Pepe for a fee of £72 million can you call anything in genuine terms unrealistic ? Since signing from Racing Club for a fee for £20 million Martinez has lit up the Serie A and really brought real quality to the plate. 25 goals last season is no mean feet and a stat which will have Inter owners looking over their shoulders. Having scored all his goals inside the box he has the clinical edge that Arsenal need that I referenced earlier. Extreme pressing is also a side to his game, a theme with all these options, which can never be a negative. Yet, it comes back to the lack of Champions league football this season.
While all fans see their club as an attractive outlet, Arsenal aren’t that anymore. Too many seasons outside the elite level of Europe means that they cant attract the same personal. Inter Milan are a more attractive side in my opinion, as much as the Serie A isn’t the premier league, there is more passion amongst the supporters and genuine title challenges each year. However with Lukaku moving to Inter on loan it may open the door for a potential move, although Arsenal fans I wouldn’t hold my breath.
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Beyond The Score 
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