Arsenal transfer hyperbole does not add up after Andrea Berta masterclass

Arsenal were hoping for a big summer transfer window, and it would be fair to say that after six signings, they have delivered that. That said, the sense during the week before the Premier League starts appears still to be one of frustration.

With news dropping that two names that had been heavily linked to Arsenal this window, Ebere Eze and Rodrygo, are now being linked to two of the Gunners’ rivals, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, it has seen a hit to the mood lifted by that 3-0 win over Athletic Club at the weekend. Neither have been players that Arsenal have formalised their interest in with any type of bid so far, but both had been considered to be high up on the club’s list of potential summer signings.

Having already spent close to a record level with near-£200million being invested in Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christhian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, the team is certainly stronger than it was this time last year.

Zubimendi looks already to be proving an upgrade in the number six position and a better stylistic fit, Jorginho’s long-suffering injury issues have been replaced by the reliable Norgaard to back up the Spaniard. Cristhian Mosquera adds depth and competition for William Saliba, replacing Takehiro Tomiyasu, who played just single-figure minutes last season after yet more injury issues.

Neto, who played just one game and frankly looked rather shaky, has been replaced by Champions League winner Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spaniard enjoyed a very strong season starting for Bournemouth in the previous campaign and is a massive step up for the number two goalkeeper and for a very cheap deal.

Noni Madueke has certainly been the most controversial addition to the squad, but now it gives Ethan Nwaneri the freedom to play his more natural central role and Arteta has a competitive, senior, natural option to back-up Saka, upgrading that number two spot. He has also been used on the left in the little we have seen of him this pre-season, offering variety with his strong left-footed creativity.

Lastly, the club finally added a traditional number nine in Viktor Gyokeres, who scored a great header last weekend. This was a significant step up while also keeping Kai Havertz, who looks raring to go this season, too.

The reality is, even if Arsenal move on their surplus players, they’ll still have to make some tough decisions about leaving players out of a matchday squad as they have so many. not to mention the excitement from youngster Max Dowman, who is also pushing for first-team action.

A seventh signing, be that an Ebere Eze or another attacking player, would be exciting, and frankly, if they do not add the third attacking player they’ve wanted, it will leave a tinge of disappointment. But it should not take away from the squad that has been built and the competition for places in every single position of the starting XI, which is something never seen at Arsenal in the better part of two decades.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.