Arsenal have been relatively busy so far in the transfer market, but are yet to address the key issues within the squad. With the 2019/20 Premier League campaign just around the corner, can the Gunners overcome the intense competition for places at the top of the table and qualify for their first top 4 finish since the 15/16 season?
It’s fair to say that the fierce competition in the Premier League is as strong as it has ever been. Manchester City continue to achieve unmatched point tallies in the league, Liverpool are the reigning champions of Europe after winning their sixth Champions League title, Spurs arguably have the strongest squad in their history, and Chelsea, despite a transfer embargo and the loss of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, still look like one of the most dangerous sides in the league. These teams, along with free-spending Manchester United, Wolves, West Ham, Leicester City and Everton, will all feel that they can push for a place in Europe this season, leaving punters with a desperate need for top sports betting tips if they are looking for advice on their bets.
It leaves Arsenal in a very worrying situation. With no Champions League football at the Emirates since the 16/17 season, yet another season of failing to qualify would certainly put the club’s reputation as European heavyweights into question.
In the lead up to his second season in charge at Arsenal, Emery has bolstered the squad by making three new summer additions in the shape of Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba and Dani Ceballos.
Martinelli, an 18-year-old forward signed from Brazilian club Ituano, has impressed so far during pre-season, but is unlikely to get a look in the first team for some time. Similarly, despite his promising potential, highly-rated French centre-back Saliba will be loaned back to Saint-Étienne for the upcoming season. It leaves 22-year-old Dani Ceballos, signed on loan from Real Madrid, as Arsenal’s only signing for the upcoming season. Technically very gifted, the midfielder is an exciting prospect for the Gunners and will hopefully fill the void left by Aaron Ramsay. However, the same optimism was held for Denis Suarez last season before his failed loan move from Barcelona.
Nicolas Pepe’s name has been one of the hottest in the world during this summer’s transfer window, with a host of top clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool and Napoli all heavily linked with the winger. The Ivorian scored an impressive 22 Ligue 1 goals last season for Lille, and it seems Arsenal may have fended off competition to sign him in a reported £72m deal. If the reports are true, it would be a huge statement from the Gunners, one that would certainly bolster their chances of making the top 4.
However, the glaring issue that Arsenal faces comes in defence. With captain Laurent Koscielny publicly pushing for a move away from the Emirates and no investment to their already leaky back line, their problems are obvious for all to see. Despite being heavily linked with Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, the signing of Pepe would leave little budget to complete a deal for the Scot, and it would certainly rule out a major centre back addition which is arguably their most needed acquisition this summer.
Arsenal may not strike the deals that fans would have hoped for, but it has certainly been a positive pre-season as far as their youth is concerned. Striker Eddie Nketiah has shown he is perhaps ready for a place in the first team, and midfielder Joe Willock has also earned many plaudits. It is also easy to forget that the Gunners have two world class strikers in their ranks, with Lacazette and Aubameyang alone bringing 40 goals for the club last season.
This season promises to produce one of the tightest Premier League tables in history, something that won’t help Arsenal’s urgency for a top 4 finish. The Gunners currently stand at 6/4 to reach the top 4, with many bookmakers predicting them to finish 6th in the table along with their loss to Lyon 2-1 in the Emirates Cup on the weekend and the injury concern about Lacazette will not be helping their odds.