Arsenal need to push on in this window

Arsenal ended the season on a high, winning a record 14th FA Cup to serve as tangible proof that Mikel Arteta’s methods are slowly taking root at the Emirates. This transfer window is therefore vital for the club – they need to bring in the right sort of player, both in terms of tactics and mentality, to give Arteta the best chance of success. Additionally, they also need to swiftly move on some of the fringe players and those who have fallen out of favour with Arteta, both to clear room on the wage bill, as well as clear the dressing room of any disruptive influences.

According to the best betting sites, Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey is the Gunners’ top transfer target in this window. The Ghanaian has a buyout clause of around 45 million, and while the club would have probably paid this sum straightaway in earlier windows, the financial complications brought on by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic mean that they are looking to negotiate a lower fee with Atletico. Partey is just the sort of player Arteta wants in his midfield – a physical ball-winner who is also comfortable in possession, so it is imperative that Arsenal make sure that they get this deal over the line.

Arsenal do need to sell some players as well to bring in money. Matteo Guendouzi is completely out of favour and is certain to leave, and the money brought in from his sale will be reinvested in the squad. The Gunners are close to picking up a player for free – Chelsea’s Willian, who is ready to arrive at the Emirates on a three-year deal. While the Brazilian winger is 32 years old, Arteta believes that he can still contribute on the pitch, while providing a shot of leadership and title-winning experience off it.

Elsewhere, the club want to sign at least one centre-back, but they will definitely have to sell here before they can buy, as there are already too many options at the club. Sokratis and Rob Holding are definitely up for sale, while Shkodran Mustafi and Calum Chambers would be sold as well if suitable offers were made. The latter two are injured at the moment, which may make it difficult for a sale to be made in this window. Pablo Mari’s loan deal was made permanent, while William Saliba also arrived after his loan at Saint-Etienne. Both these players are young and developing, and so Arsenal want to bring in an experienced centre-back to help them out as well as improve the defence immediately alongside David Luiz. It will be difficult, as most of Arsenal’s targets will probably be too expensive. Once again, the Arsenal management will have to be creative in order to satisfy Arteta and the club’s vocal fanbase.

The Gunners need to take advantage of the strong end to their season to push on and make the signings necessary to allow Arteta to compete for a Champions League spot. They also need to make sure that they keep hold of the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as he carried the goalscoring threat almost single-handedly for them, and they will need his goals again if they are to have any hope of playing Champions League football again.