Arsenal has begun the new season on a high by winning the Community Shield trophy. Arteta and Co defeated PL champions, Liverpool, in a tight match that was decided on penalties. A great win at Wembley will surely act as be a great confidence booster before the start of next season for the Gunners. After a trophyless drought, Mikel Arteta has brought glory back to Arsenal. The Spanish manager lifted 2 trophies in 29 days and brought smiles back for the London team. With the English side on the brink of the new season, Let’s evaluate what can be expected from the Gunners in 20/21.
Gunning up the Arsenal Attack
Moving on to players, the contract extension of Aubameyang remains on the topmost priority of the Gunners. Mikel Arteta, in a post-match interview, says expresses confidence saying the deal is close. Arsenal will be trying to complete the deal soon with the official announcement expected soon.
Arsenal also seems to be a busy club in the transfer market. The London side will be looking to recruit new players and bolster the team this season. They already have quite a few good players added in their lineup. Arsenal has managed to snatch Willian from Chelsea on a free transfer as the Brazilian moved on to their fierce rivals. The 32-year-old seems like a good addition in the Arsenal team and his work rate will be of great quality.
Lacazette might be looking for a future out of Emirates as the Frenchmen is rumored to leave Arsenal. Turin seems to Lacazette’s next destination as he is heavily linked with Juventus. If he leaves Arsenal, the Gunners could target Edison Cavani. A free agent now, Cavani can be a good stop-gap option for them. Even an aging Cavani can be lethal and score 20+ goals for a top team.
The Frailties Behind
Gunners had also identified defensive stability as a major area of concern last season. Mikel Arteta became their coach he has managed to improve their defence drastically. He even managed to get players like David Luiz to regain his form and confidence. However, they still need to get in more young players for their ageing defence. They have new additions as Saliba has teamed up with the Gunners this season. The Gunners have also signed the Brazilian Garibel Magalhaes from Lille. The additions of Saliba and Garbiel and even fitter, Mari alongside the experienced Luiz and Sokratis make Arsenal a much improved defensive unit for the upcoming season.
The Sandwiched issue
Arsenal undoubtedly needs to tighten up midfield if they plan to compete for honors in 20/21. The Londoners need to recruit players in various positions and roles across the midfield this time around. Arteta’s FA Cup winning side are predominantly looking a no. 6 side, as they plan to loosen up their purse strings.
Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey is their number 1 target. However, the PL team might be forced to look somewhere else because of the Ghanaian’s release clause. The London based team might look to get someone like Soumare or Sangare as they are similar to Partey. Both of them look to be younger versions of the Atletico Madrid star and more importantly, cheaper than him.
Arsenal also needs to improve their gameplay as we saw alack of creativity last season in the final third. Mesut Ozil is not the player that he was and Arsenal lack a creative outlet in their ranks.
Dani Ceballos proved to be an excellent loan deal last season. The Gunners would be counting on him for a successful campaign this time around.
Good midfielders and a balanced squad is necessary for Arsenal if they wish to keep fighting for a top 4 spot in the Premier League.
Conclusion
Qualifying for Champions League football will be the top agenda for the Gunners this time. Mikel Arteta and his team can either win the Europa League next season or qualify by finishing top 4 in PL. Europa League is something Arteta will be targeting to add to his trophy cabinet. The baseline for Arsenal is to put up a good show across all competitions and bring back the glory days.
For more articles on Premier League teams, click here.
