BACKGROUND:
With less than a month to go until the transfer window opens, Arsenal must prepare themselves for a window that is going to be the biggest ever in club history. With no European football for the first time in over 25 years, it’s high time the board wake up and start acting. In terms of transfers, the options are endless, but this summer brings one major difficulty to all transfer dealings, over and beyond just the pandemic – The Euros. Transfers will have to be delayed and prices can easily skyrocket if the players have good tournaments.
As we know, the French League is arguably the place to sign talents, at a reasonable price. Arsenal have a long history with France, which stems down from Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry.
There are four players that would prove to be a top investment given the current situation of this institution and would take this team to a different level. Let’s analyze them:
1. Eduardo Camavinga (18, France, Stade Rennais)
Position: Central midfielder (#6/#8 hybrid)
Player description: Camavinga is one of the biggest talents to have gained the spotlight in the last few years. The French starlet dominated a PSG team full of superstars at the tender age of 16. But it hasn’t all been rosy since. Now, at 18, he didn’t have the best of campaigns this year but it is evident that he has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the world. The situation is in a favorable position for Arsenal. He is entering the final year of his contract and the elite teams may think twice before coughing up such a high fee. This could well be an opportunity for Arsenal to get their hands on one of the world’s best talents. As per transfermarkt, he would cost in the region of £54m.
2. Houssem Aouar (22, France, Lyon):
Position: An attack-minded box to box midfielder who has also played at #10
We don’t talk anymore… who can forget that? Houssem Aouar has been one of those players who is always linked with a move to Arsenal, but for various reasons, they still haven’t come to fruition. However, that situation could drastically change this summer, with Lyon said to be open to selling him for around £30m. Much like Camavinga, Aouar has not been great this season, and that could present the perfect opportunity for Arsenal to finally sign the talented 22-year-old. He is a player that Mikel Arteta greatly admires and would be a key component of the 4-3-3 that we plan to eventually implement.
3. Zeki Celik (24, Turkey, Lille):
Position: Right back
Celik is one of the most consistent right-backs in Europe. The player may have gone under the radar for the past 2 seasons but it is fair to say that he deserves a move to a bigger club. Linked to Tottenham previously, the Turkish international will have the spotlight on him for the upcoming Euros. He has played a key role in helping Lille pip PSG to win their 5th Ligue 1 title. A solid player all-around that would come at an affordable cost. He has been key to Lille having the best defense in Europe this season. With Arteta making the right-back invert on certain occasions to ensure numerical zonal coverage, there is an added requirement for such a player to be well rounded – Celik fits the bill in this regard.
4. Mike Maignan (25, France, Lille):
Position: Goalkeeper
Maignan has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world this season, with no goalkeeper in Europe’s top 5 leagues securing more clean sheets than him. He is ready to be at a big club in a top league. Standing at 1.91m, he is a commanding presence with dazzling reflexes and very good distribution, making him a top-caliber modern goalkeeper. With Bernd Leno’s situation still in the air, Maignan would represent an excellent replacement, especially with his £13m million price tag. Arsenal will have to move fast however considering the competition for his signature is fierce – Fabrizio Romano reported that he’s close to a move to AC Milan. Let’s hope Arsenal can hijack this move soon,
Thank you for your patient reading – if you are aware of any other options to consider from Ligue 1, let it be known in the comments below!