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

By Krish Ajmani

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates with Bukayo Saka after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 09, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Frank Augstein - Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates with Bukayo Saka after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 09, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Frank Augstein - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Emile Smith Rowe
Arsenal’s English midfielder Emile Smith Rowe celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Brom. (Photo by FRANK AUGSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Attacking Midfield

Arsenal’s weakness last season was surprisingly the attack. No longer present was the free-flowing, quick pass-and-move sequences popularized by Arsene Wenger. Particularly in the first half of the season, the forward line looked devoid of ideas. Few chances were created. This absolutely cannot continue next season. Creativity is the key area to fix.

The introduction of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka’s continued brilliance saved Arteta’s job and ensured the season did not end up more embarrassing than it already was. The pressure on these young shoulders, however, is too much. Smith Rowe and Saka should be allowed to develop without the demands of the entire attacking output resting on them.

Additionally, Smith Rowe’s past injury problems along with the threat of fatigue while the academy product adjusts to the rigors of an entire top-flight campaign should push Arteta and Edu to seek out another option. Emi Buendia would have been the perfect transfer to aid and complement Smith Rowe but the less said about that the better.

The executives need to find someone that can come in and provide another option whether that is through the starting lineup or off the bench as a rotational option.

Smith Rowe is a magnificent talent but he has to be nurtured accordingly. Arsenal have to trust their best assets, but also protect them.

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