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, Granit Xhaka
Arsenal, Granit Xhaka (Photo by Rui Vieira/Pool via Getty Images) /

1. Central Midfield

Granit Xhaka will be moved on this summer. It’s a matter of time. A fee with Roma has yet to be confirmed but the rumors have not showed any sign of the deal falling through and there is no chance of the Swiss midfielder’s future being anywhere near north London. That leaves a gaping hole in the center of the pitch.

Even when Xhaka was starting, the low bar of quality and lack of inspiring options was a source of concern. Other than Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny is now the only other experienced midfielder at the club. Dani Ceballos has left after his loan was concluded and the futures of Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles lie in doubt.

Partey’s difficulties last season restricted the effectiveness of the squad. Yet with a full season and less games, there is hope that the Ghanaian will be back to his best next season. Finding the right partner for Partey will only increase the chances of the success of not just the midfield but the team as a whole.

An injection of energy and impetus is sorely needed.

Next. 3 Ben White alternatives. dark

The list of positions that need strengthening is quite long. We haven’t even mentioned the goalkeeping department. It will be critical that Arteta and Edu not only find players in the above positions but that they find upgrades to the above positions. That seems like it should not need mentioning but the recent recruitment means that stating it is quite necessary.

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