Arsenal: The most important need is exactly what we think it is

Arsenal have many needs to address in the transfer window this summer. But which one is the most important? Well, it’s the obvious one: Defensive midfield.

This Arsenal squad has a whole lot of holes to fill. There are five or six positions that require investment, some of it significant, if they are to genuinely harbour hopes of a top-four and title challenges. And that is without replacing any of the potential departees that come to be this summer.

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Put it this way: Ivan Gazidis, Sven Mislintat and Raul Sanllehi, the transfer brain trust at the Emirates, have a lot of work to do this summer. It is quite a daunting task. And when facing such a massive problem that requires a variety of answers and resources, it can be quite difficult to know where to start.

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Take the positions of need, for instance — this is overlooking all of the contractual issues, the retention of Aaron Ramsey, the ramifications of Arsene Wenger’s exit, the changes that Unai Emery will bring. You could argue, to varying extents, that Arsenal need a new goalkeeper, full-back (potentially both), centre-half (potentially two), defensive midfielder, ball-playing central midfielder, and winger. That is quite the shopping list.

And given the nature of the modern market in which any remotely talented players will automatically command a price of at least £50 million, it is highly improbable that Arsenal will be able to aptly address all of these positions. They simply do not have the resources to do so. Compromises, therefore, must be made; it is time to prioritise.

So what is the most important need of this team? Which position needs addressing first and with the most resources? Well, I don’t think this is a trick question. I actually think it is the position that most people will be thinking of when I pose the question. Yes, defensive midfield is the most important need to address this summer.

First and foremost, it is one of the most influential positions on the pitch. It provides balance and connection to the team, cohesively conjoining the defence with the attack. But more than that, the players that are currently in the squad do not the necessary qualities to fulfil the role aptly.

Now, that is not necessarily a slight on their qualities. Granit Xhaka is an adapted, not a natural, defensive midfielder; neither Jack Wilshere nor Aaron Ramsey have the discipline and defensive acumen to play the position; Mohamed Elneny is excellent depth, but he simply offers too little in possession to be relied upon as a key contributor for a whole season. It is more that there is not the right type of player in the squad.

Some may argue that centre-half or goalkeeper or even winger are more necessary than defensive midfield. But for all of those positions, while they are perhaps lacking, there are options available that can play those positions at least with some semblance of efficacy. That is not so true at defensive midfield. Only Xhaka comes close and, even then, there is quite a lot left to be desired.

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It remains to be seen what positions Arsenal choose to invest in this summer. It will be extremely interesting to see how Gazidis, Mislintat, Sanllehi and now Emery rank their needs. But, for me, I would like to see them address the hole in defensive midfield before all else.