With the English football season fast approaching, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are gearing up for yet another attempt to end a 21-year wait for the Premier League title. After narrowly missing out to Man City yet again, this time on the last day of the season, The Gunners are keen to strengthen their squad and acquire the necessary tools to mount their third successive challenge for the top spot this coming season. 

This analysis explores the new arrivals in North London, potential transfers in and out of Arsenal, and how Mikel Arteta could shape his starting XI for the first game of the season as the transfer window deadline approaches.

The Left-back Conundrum

Despite boasting the best defensive record in the league last season, Arsenal’s title bid ultimately faltered due to momentary lapses in concentration at the back. While Ben White’s consistent performances on the right flank have been well-documented, the situation on the left side has been anything but consistent, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jakub Kiwior all rotating in and out of the left-back position following Jurien Timber’s ACL rupture on the opening day of the season.  

Riccardo Calafiori: What Can He Provide to Arsenal’s Defense?

In a utopian world, Mikel Arteta’s perfect left-back would in fact be the left-footed twin of Ben White, which may explain his £42 million investment in Riccardo Calafiori. Physically, Calafiori ticks all the boxes – standing over 6ft and remaining dominant in the air. As Italy moves on from the Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci era, the 22-year-old Calafiori seems set to become the next key figure in the heart of Azzurri’s defense.

With his flowing locks, technique of a number 10, and an aggressive defensive style, watching Calafiori in isolation might make you stop and question which era you’re in, as if you were still in the late 90s with Paolo Maldini lining up for AC Milan. His assist for Italy’s equalizer in the dying moments of their final group game against Croatia was one of the standout moments of Euro 2024. Driving through the heart of the Croatian midfield, Calafiori laid the ball off to his left for Matteo Zaccagni to curl home, booking the Azzurri’s place in the knockout round.

Like White, Calafiori has experience playing both as a full-back and a center-back, most recently featuring as a center-back for Italy and Thiago Motta’s Bologna. With Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba forming a formidable partnership over the past two seasons, and Jurrien Timber gradually re-integrating after his injury, Calafiori seems poised to take on a role primarily as a left-back, with the capacity to fill in at center back in case of injury or rotation.

Similarities can be drawn to Pep Guardiola’s use of Manuel Akanji, Nathan Aké, and Josko Gvardiol at left-back. Though all three arrived at Manchester City as center-backs, their technical skills have allowed them to thrive in both traditional overlapping and inverted full-back roles. Their defensive instincts, combined with their height and physicality, have ensured that Manchester City’s defensive solidity remains intact.

Arsenal’s Nearly Season: Disrupting the Backline, ‘That’ Trip to Dubai and Breaking Records

Perhaps, in many respects, Calafiori combines the best of both Zinchenko and Kiwior. Zinchenko’s technical skill has often been undermined by his lack of athleticism and defensive instincts, leaving him vulnerable in one-on-one defensive situations when deployed in a back four. Conversely, while Jakub Kiwior provides significant defensive solidity, he lacks the ball-handling prowess of the Ukrainian.

The Granit Xhaka Replacement That Never Was

With just a minute left in extra time and the match poised for penalties in a fascinating Quarter-final against Germany, it was Mikel Merino who emerged as Spain’s unlikely hero, heading in the decisive goal off the bench to secure La Roja’s spot in the semi-final of Euro 2024. It was the type of late run from midfield, salmon-like leap, and powerful header that Arsenal sorely missed with regularity last season. 

At 6ft 2in, Mikel Merino is a left-footed midfielder with a combination of physical and technical prowess—qualities that Arsenal have been missing since Granit Xhaka’s departure in 2023. Xhaka’s exit created a notable void in Arsenal’s midfield, and Merino’s profile could be the like-for-like solution they need.

Player Analysis: Mikel Merino

Arteta, known for his appreciation of physicality in his players, will be particularly drawn to Merino’s ability to win possession high up the pitch—a quality Arsenal’s midfield has lacked since Xhaka’s departure. Last season, Merino topped La Liga in dispossessing opponents in the final third.

Merino’s value to Arsenal extends beyond his defensive capabilities, as exhibited by his career-defining goal against Germany. He excels at ghosting into the box and positioning himself between center-backs to capitalize on crosses. With the crossing prowess and vision of Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Ben White, Merino could introduce a whole new dimension to Arsenal’s attack. Last season, he scored eight goals for Real Sociedad, showcasing his attacking potential.

At a transfer fee of £25.3 million, the Spaniard offers exceptional value in today’s market. Should the former Newcastle midfielder complete his return to the Premier League with Arsenal, he could prove to be a shrewd acquisition for the Gunners.

To Sign a Striker or Not?

As summer transfer discussions continue to heat up, the debate over whether Arsenal should sign a new attacker remains a hot topic among fans. Despite netting 85 goals in the Premier League last season, there is increasing sentiment that the Gunners would benefit from acquiring a bonafide goal-scorer. Conversely, some argue that the current roster of forwards: Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Eddie Nketiah, already provides ample firepower in ensuring Arsenal achieve Premier League glory.

Why Kai Havertz’s Versatile Role is Key to Germany’s Euro Ambitions

Kai Havertz

Although Kai Havertz was initially touted to be the midfielder to replace Granit Xhaka (which now seems to be Mikel Merino), his performances as a striker in the second half of the season proved crucial for Arsenal’s title-charge. The German international achieved his best-ever Premier League return, consistently scoring key goals and winners for Arsenal throughout the latter part of the season.

In addition, his ability to link-up play brings the likes of Saka, Odegaard, and Martinelli into play, with his tally of 13 goals and 7 assists showing he is just as capable of providing as he is scoring. In a structure where Mikel prefers short passing through the midfield, Havertz’ height and physicality also enables Arsenal to opt for a more direct option.

Despite the many facets of his game, questions persist about Kai Havertz’s ruthlessness in front of goal and whether he is the long-term solution or just a temporary fix. Nonetheless, he appears poised to start the season as Arsenal’s first-choice striker.

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus, renowned for his low center of gravity, quick feet, and agility, combines these attributes to dismantle opposition defenses. Despite donning the number 9 shirt at Arsenal, the question of whether he is truly a “number 9” continues to linger from his time at Manchester City.

Analysing Gabriel Jesus: A Bomb Waiting to Go Off For Mikel Arteta’s Gunners?

Similar to Havertz, Gabriel Jesus has struggled with missed chances during his time at Arsenal, with just 4 league goals to his name across the 23/24 season. It is suggested that his unpredictability and skillset may be more effectively utilized on the wings, where he can take on full-backs, create opportunities, and get shots off. 

Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson

Despite fleeting moments of promise throughout their Arsenal careers, both Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson have lacked the consistency to convincingly stake their claims as first-choice players. With growing links away to Marseille, Crystal Palace, and West Ham, the Hale End graduates’ time at Arsenal could be coming to an end.

The Solution

With the potential departures of Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, Arsenal would be wise to reinvest the acquired funds in signing a versatile attacker. Such a player should be capable of deputizing and challenging regular starters while also making a significant impact off the bench, much like Leandro Trossard has done.

How can Arsenal could shape up for their Premier League opener vs. Wolves

This strategic move could bolster the squad’s depth and enhance their competitive edge. Links to Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich continue, as Mikel had previously worked with the German international at Manchester City. All in all, it looks set to be a busy end to the transfer window for the Gunners as they attempt to challenge for the Premier League title once again.

By: Hasan Ahmed

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / James Williamson – AMA / Getty Images