Arsenal transfer plans revealed by Mikel Arteta

What Arsenal have accomplished so far this window and what they hope to achieve come its closure are worlds apart. Two signings of exciting potential are just the start of a long road ahead and full focus is on what comes next.

It’s clear in regards to signings what is required. There is no disputing that a goalkeeper, right-back, central midfielder and playmaker are on the wishlist, while there is scope to include a striker in that group depending on departures elsewhere.

There are umpteen players for each position to fill those roles. Mikel Arteta will have his chosen few.

Due to the profile of signing made thus far, the young, developing and hungry options are ahead of the queue. Nuno Tavares fits the bill and so does Albert Sambi Lokonga. The pair are both 21 years old, can be moulded into first team regulars in the future and with their length of contract can even provide a profit in the future should they flourish as hoped.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1417491990799740928

Arsenal transfer plans revealed by Mikel Arteta after Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga summer signings

Neither of them are leaders, per se.

They may boast some such qualities – Sambi has already captained Anderlecht – but authoritative figures they are not expected to be. With Granit Xhaka leaving, David Luiz already departed and the likes of Hector Bellerin also set to be moved on, these voices need replacing.

Speaking on the official Arsenal website, Arteta insisted there was a need to recruit some senior figures this summer.

"“It is one of the profiles [Sambi and Tavares], but we need a good mixture as well,” the boss said. “We need some senior players, players with different types of leadership in the team, with different qualities, people that complement each other.“At the end of the day it is about the cohesion of the team so we need a squad that is cohesive that can develop and adapt, that offers different qualities to change games, protect games when we need to and this is what we are trying to build.”"

The interesting element here is what exactly constitutes ‘senior’? With players like Manuel Locatelli, Ruben Neves, Martin Odegaard and Houssem Aouar being floated around, if it’s age we’re using then Neves at 24 years old is the most ‘senior’ of them all. It’s probably not that.

What hints to the profile he’s seeking being Thomas Partey’s midfield partner is the desire for a player(s) who can ‘protect’ games. Someone to control tempo and offer steel, move those around him into position and instill authority on the pitch.

Xhaka’s replacement is the most crucial transfer of all. Who comes in to take his place in the starting lineup will be the determining factor on how successful this window can be. As well as sales, that is.

Given it’s different types of leadership the Spaniard is after, this can be acquired via additions who lead by example or vocality. Due to the volume of movement this window both in and out, the balance is a tough one to strike.