Arsenal: 4 summer transfer priorities ranked

It was only the first game of the season and yet Arsenal are already stumbling out of the blocks. Tottenham and Chelsea in pre-season, and then Brentford in the Premier League. Three capital clashes, three defeats. Fortunately only the latter counts on the scoreboard.

There are only so many adjectives that can be used to describe that performance in west London, and what is even more disheartening is that these descriptions of Arsenal have not changed since the previous campaign.

Whatever that was against Brentford was lethargic, passive and lifeless. Mikel Arteta will need to change the mood and attitude of the players quickly if he is to stay at the helm of what currently appears to be a sinking ship.

Summer reinforcements have largely been young players brought in to serve as understudies for established players as they eventually grow into starters over the next few years. Albert Sambi Lokonga’s inclusion on Friday was down to Thomas Partey’s injury, and while he looks ready for the top-flight, both him and Nuno Tavares are players eyed to improve the squad in the mid-term onwards.

Arsenal: 4 summer transfer priorities ranked as Mikel Arteta desperately needs signings to solve his worrying squad issues this season

First-team reinforcements are still needed and desperately so. Everyone is well aware of how much work to undertake, although some of the more beleaguered supporters will claim a full squad turnover wouldn’t go amiss. But what is the priority?

It’s difficult to stick a tail on this donkey as so much is urgently required. As for positions, however, with the clock ticking there might not be enough time to complete what the majority are hoping for. Especially with sales not forthcoming.

So, where is most important? All of them, in truth.

3. Right-Back

The shortcomings of those already contracted at the club in the right-back position are well known. The only serviceable option is Calum Chambers. And that’s debatable.

Seven years on from his arrival and the Englishman slotted in well towards the end of last season, impressing fans and coaching staff alike with his pinpoint deliveries and ability to make intelligent overlapping runs. Nobody could argue he hadn’t bust a gut to wrestle his way into the starting lineup from his long-term injury. It was fully deserved.

His run of form pushed reinforcement of the right-back position down the long list of positions that need to be addressed.

Most supporters would have cited central midfield, backup goalkeeper and striker as more pressing needs. Yet the difficulties Chambers faced against Brentford illustrated why his position should be moved up the shopping list. He’s been at the club since 2014. Is this ‘Arsenal’ standard?

The constant threat and energy Kieran Tierney provides on the left flank is simply not reciprocated on the opposite side, even if Arteta’s demands for that position may differ. Chambers does not possess the physical attributes to bomb up and down the pitch as is needed in a squad bereft of creativity. Out of position often, the former Southampton man left Ben White isolated and outnumbered.

While fingers will undoubtedly be pointed at Bernd Leno for being beaten on his near post for the first goal, Chambers’ involvement cannot be ignored. Stranded in a poor position again, his communication with White was nonexistent. Rotationally they were all over the place. He scrambled to make up ground but it was too little too late as Sergi Canos fired home.

Chambers is symbolic of the standard fans have come to expect from a club and ownership unwilling to show any ambition or desire. While this may even be an overestimate of his abilities, nevertheless it serves as an accurate description: he is good, but not great. When looking at the team sheet, most players fall under this category. Reinforcements are needed.