After narrowly missing out on the 2023/24 Premier League title, Mikel Arteta, Edu Gaspar and the rest of the Arsenal recruitment team have a job on their hands this summer in order to add to the squad as the Gunners attempt to get over the line and end the long 20-year title drought.
But what areas do they need, and who exactly is out there that fit the profile that the Arsenal manager wants? Here is the positions I feel Arsenal need to strengthen alongside the most likely name being linked within the media currently ahead of the window opening in the near future.
POSITION: STRIKER
CURRENT RUMOUR: BENJAMIN ŠESKO
It’s been common knowledge for a while now that one of the main positions Arsenal need this summer is the centre forward position. Gabriel Jesus is a fantastic footballer but can’t be relied upon week after week in front of goal, and despite Kai Havertz’s strong form leading the line in the last few months there’s no doubt Arsenal need to add a more clinical striker in and around the box in order to break 20+ goals and push for the big trophies in the forthcoming years.
Multiple names have been mentioned with Sporting’s VIktor Gyokeres and Bologna’s Josua Zirkzee in the mix. But the one that seems to be at the top of Arsenal’s list is RB Leipzig’s 21-year old Slovenian Benjamin Sesko. The forward stands at 6″4 and possesses intelligent movement and powerful ball-striking ability. And Sesko’s release clause with the German club means he won’t be as expensive as other options which could be a factor for Arsenal as they look to add to their squad in other areas as well.
POSITION: CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
CURRENT RUMOUR: BRUNO GUIMARÃES
Alongside centre-forward, there’s one more position where Arsenal may need to strengthen not only the squad but the main starting XI, with that being central midfield alongside Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard. As long-serving Mohamed Elneny leaves Arsenal at the end of his contract, and Thomas Partey likely to follow the Egyptian out the door.
Whether Arsenal go for a defensive holding midfielder or a more box-to-box option depends on where Mikel Arteta sees the future of Rice, who can easily play in both roles as the Englishman excelled on the left of the midfield three during the second part of the campaign.
Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes seems to be of strong interest from Arsenal, and the Brazilian certainly fits the profile as he can play both roles with ease and is excellent both on and off the ball. However, it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will pay the £100 million fee to take him from Tyneside.
POSITION: CENTRAL DEFENDER
CURRENT RUMOUR: JORREL HATO
Arsenal ended the 2023/24 season with the best defensive record in the Premier League, and with Jurrien Timber now back from his lomg-term injury there’s no doubt that the Gunners main defence does not need tampering with.
However, more defensive cover is certainly needed. With Jakub Kiwior currently the only main central defender away from the main partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel following Rob Holding’s move across London to Crystal Palace and Cedric’s contract expiration. And while Arsenal have players that can cover in that area, another may be needed to cope with the demands of Champions league football alongside domestic matters.
After poaching Timber from Ajax last summer, Arsenal may look to repeat the trick with the club seemingly having a strong interest in Jorrel Hato. The young Dutchman is the latest from the famous Amsterdam club’s academy to be labelled as a future star and the 18-year old has already captained the club to become the youngest skipper in Ajax’s history. Hato can play as both a centre-back and left back so his versatility will be of interest for Mikel Arteta and time will tell whether Arsenal will put their strong relationship with Ajax to more good use and look to bring Hato to North London.
POSITION: RIGHT WINGER
CURRENT RUMOUR: NICO WILLIAMS
Bukayo Saka is one of the biggest stars of Arsenal’s current squad. However, the winger lacks a proper backup which has led to Saka potentially being overplayed in previous seasons. Whilst Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Jesus can take up the position on the right of Arsenal’s forward line, the fact that Saka remains the only one to be left-footed means a potential lack of balance when he needs to be rested.
Athletic Club’s Nico Williams however could prove to be a solution to this issue. The winger is left-footed, skilful and at 21-years old fits the age profile Arsenal will be looking for. And just like previous names mentioned and all players in Spain, Williams has a release clause which is believed to be around the £50 million mark so would represent strong value for money.
Other positions are potentially more of a priority but signing a left-footed right-winger such as Williams could help bring more electric pace to Arsenal’s forward line as well as present the chance to give Saka more resting opportunities.