Arsenal: 3 positions to target after Lokonga, Tavares & White transfers

Arsenal haven’t signed anyone yet but the growing feeling is that everyone’s phones will get a ping soon enough to confirm the beginning of what is hoped to be a fruitful summer transfer window.

Interest in trio Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Ben White has been protracted for nearly the entire summer. Numerous reports claim that the deal for Lokonga is nearly complete, with the two clubs only having to hash out the sell-on clause.

White’s deal is thought to be a bit farther away, given the defender’s participation with England at the ongoing Euros. In spite of this delay, hem the Belgian and Tavares, who is in London, could be wrapped up in the next couple of weeks.

Given the state of the squad, the Arsenal hierarchy have no time to rest. They must continue to plow forward and secure their targets.

Arsenal: 3 positions to target after Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares & Ben White transfers are completed in the summer window

Completing deals early and giving players time to acclimatise and get in a proper pre-season is crucial. Those not involved this summer are already back at London Colney preparing for the coming Premier League season.

Thomas Partey’s late transfer on deadline day and his subsequent poor season can be chalked up to there not being enough time for the Ghanaian to settle. Arsenal will be looking to avoid this moving forward.

That being said, here are three positions Arsenal should target after finishing the Lokonga and White transfer moves.

3. Right-Back

For a position that was touted as one of the most important in the rebuild just a couple of months ago, whispers of a right-back transfer have gone extremely quiet. Rumors have recently circulated about Hector Bellerin’s possible move away from the club; claims are that the club will sanction a loan move for the Spaniard should they not be able to sell him on, with Inter pushing for an undesirable loan with buy ‘option’.

While outgoings are certainly important for Mikel Arteta and Edu’s agendas, proper replacements must be brought in as well. Cedric Soares is not of the age or quality required and questions remain over Calum Chambers’ ability in the position as well.

The danger of playing someone out of position, as seen with the left-back debacle last season, was seen to the detriment of the club’s domestic and European success. Cedric, while not terrible, made a few errors in possession. Granit Xhaka was unable to provide the forward impetus and attacking threat the team had grown accustomed to with Kieran Tierney in the side.

Additionally, the need for a hungry right-back with the potential to grow and develop is even clearer to see when contrasted to the other side of the defense.

The aforementioned Scot has proven to be an exceptional signing with both his performances on the pitch as well as the attitude and commitment he provides off of it. Securing a top transfer with the technical ability to contribute defensively and offensively will be crucial in the rebuild. Takehiro Tomiyasu has been mentioned recently.