For each of the last three summer transfer windows, critics, fans, and pundits have unanimously been on board with the idea that Arsenal only need one or two more signings to end their title drought. It’s a far cry from where they were when Arteta first came in but, given that the Gooners have now come so close to the Premier League and come up short, it does feel as though this summer window has more emphasis than the two that have preceded it.
Like many aspects of football, Arsenal’s recruitment has faced several unforeseen challenges. Jurrien Timber signing for a huge fee, then getting injured in his first home game and spending months on the sidelines, is the nightmarish scenario that Arteta will be hoping to avoid this time around.
However, with so much riding on the importance of this transfer window, how can the recent additions reshape, enhance and ultimately drive Arsenal to significant success, whether it is the EPL or Champions League honours?
Can Arsenal become the bookies’ favourites?
Let’s face it, it’s going to be difficult to knock Liverpool off their perch, given how easily they cruised to the title last season. However, with teams like Manchester City in disarray, and Chelsea and Newcastle a step or two behind the leaders, a few savvy recruits this summer could push the Gooners much closer to Arne Slot’s men. Interestingly, while Arsenal focuses on domestic improvements, other English giants, like Manchester City and Chelsea, may face huge tax liabilities due to their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup, which could further impact their preparations, both financially and logistically.
While sites provide expert breakdowns and a considerable depth of gambling options, it can be a challenge to get any decent outright betting odds before all the summer signings are taken into consideration. Of all the markets available on AskGamblers, it’s often the prominent leagues that attract the most attention from bettors, most notably, the Champions League and the Premier League.
The Gooners have come close to both these competitions this season and even started as the bookies’ favourites at the beginning of last season. However, that market soon crumbled following Liverpool’s blistering start. At the time of writing, which is the end of the first “mini window”, so to speak, Arsenal have not officially announced any signings. However, if they manage to land a handful of the players they have been linked with, how profound could the changes be to their squad?
The quest for attacking talent
To say Arsenal lacked firepower upfront last season would be a colossal understatement. In fact, for many fans, it’s the key reason why they were so far behind Liverpool. Many analysts believed it was impressive they managed to keep up with Liverpool, given that Odegaard, Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus were on the sidelines for large parts of the season.
It should come as no surprise that Arsenal’s attentions have focused on players who will be able to find the back of the net. Although, admittedly, they are moving at a snail’s pace and seem to be giving other teams the chance to undercut them. Elite strikers like Alexander Isak have been linked with a move to the Emirates, as has Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
The towering Slovenian forward, Benjamin Sesko, has also been heavily linked with a move to the Gooners. Still, judging by the reaction of fans on social media, many of them don’t seem too convinced that he’s the calibre of player to plug the gap that they have up top.
Obviously, acquiring either of these players would significantly reshape the squad. At 6 foot 5, Sesko would provide a different dynamic upfront, as he is an aerial threat and a commanding physical presence. The smaller Rodrygo would provide the same zippiness and eye for goal that fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus already provides—and would be a more than adequate replacement if injury were to befall Jesus once again.
Keeping the machine oiled
While it is quite a big if, if Arsenal can keep Jesus, Havertz, and Odegaard away from any sort of lengthy spell on the sidelines, and they’re able to bolster their attacking palette with Sesko or Rodrygo, then they are likely to push Liverpool a lot closer.
Some reports have suggested that Arteta will be given the war chest to sign both of these players in a massive $150 million swoop. Although rumour mills are often full of wild predictions and baseless claims, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Arsenal splash out on both these players, as Arteta has made it no secret that he’s a fan of both.
Expressing interest and getting the players to commit their futures to Arsenal are two different matters. With the likes of Jorginho and Kieran Tierney off the wage bill, Arteta will be keen to replace them with players who are fresher and offer more in that position.
It’s not an overstatement to say that Odegaard and Havertz are players who could become some of the best attacking players in Europe. Keeping them in the squad, keeping them fit, and allowing them to express themselves within the framework of any new shape is arguably more important than any new signings Arteta makes. However, as last season showed, if there is an injury crisis, the Gooners will eventually run out of steam.
Final thoughts
It feels presumptuous to base the new shape of Arsenal’s squad on their key signings before they have been announced. Again, it doesn’t take a football genius to realise that the signing of Sesko, who is one of the tallest strikers in Europe’s top divisions, would significantly change the options that Arteta has to work with.
The Spaniard is stuck between a rock and a hard place, the quest for goals and signing a big target man will polarise some of the Arsenal faithful. If he finds the back of the net, and if Arteta needs to adjust to a more direct formation, this will ruffle a few feathers to begin with, especially if the Slovenian takes time to find his feet.
We know all too well that there’s a subsection of Arsenal fans who rub their hands with glee at the idea of players not hitting the ground running, despite what they may say. However, in the long run, if Rodrygo and Sesko are Gooners at the beginning of the season, expect more options going forward, more goals, and, with any luck, a long-awaited Premier League trophy.