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.

2. Central Midfield

Unlike the previous position discussed, the clamor for at least one new midfielder has been deafening. Links to the likes of James Maddison have dissipated while connections to old targets have resurfaced as creativity remains a concern, but the showing of Arsenal’s central midfield against Brentford showcased perfectly why this position has been the center of discussions for months.

Granit Xhaka and Lokonga started at the base of midfield on Friday. The two would not be more different. The Belgian signing represents the hope of all Arsenal fans: a young, gifted prospect with a high ceiling. Sambi displayed a calmness in possession, the ability to drive with the ball and the desire to make something happen. Not all of his ambitious passes came off but the willingness to take risks and pass forward was in stark contrast to what fans have become accustomed to seeing with his partner.

Xhaka’s performance was forgettable, to say the least. The Swiss international was slow in moving the ball, predictable in his progression and still far too easy to harry into mistakes, nearly gifting the opposition the ball on the edge of the Arsenal box in one all-too familiar moment.

Reluctant to take responsibility and at least attempt more incisive passes, Xhaka did little of note on the ball. Even the Swiss’ most steadfast fans would have been disappointed with the predictable ball out to Tierney before a pointless cross is fired in towards our diminutive forwards.

Lokonga is of the same mould as Partey. Faster on the ball, the two understand the importance of progression and the economy of touches. Moving the ball up the pitch should not be endless balls out to the flanks. Penetrating passes, even if they do not always come off, would at least show a hunger to create and influence the game, something that is in severe demand at Arsenal.

Creating from deep is something no Arsenal midfielders can do. Reinforcements in the center of the pitch would provide a greater unpredictability that is crucial in unlocking defenses. As it is, it’s just more of the same from last season. Who’d have thought?

= 1. Goalkeeper

Such is the state of this squad that two positions are ranked as the top need. Both the striker and goalkeeping positions are alarming. Bernd Leno was atrocious on the night. His positioning needs questioning for the first goal as he was beaten on his near post: the strike was quick and accurate but Leno should react far quicker. Putting aside this error, even more egregious was the concession of the second goal.

Arsenal showed a remarkable improvement in their defending of set pieces last season. The defense was solid and organized, with the combination of man and zonal marking proving to be effective with aerially imposing defenders. The defending against dead ball situations has suffered greatly both in pre-season and this trend has continued into the season. Andreas Georgson, we’re sorry.

Brentford players were left open on the back post, easily heading the ball into an open net. Yet replays of the goal showed something far more concerning. As the broadcast continued to show different angles, an infraction was easy to spot. A Brentford player had pressed against Leno, wrapped his arms around the German keeper and pinned him, rendering him useless.

After the goal was scored, Leno raised his arms to protest but that is all. The goalkeeping position is one that requires discipline, focus and, most importantly, confidence. It requires the command to marshal your defense. It requires the confidence to fight through contact. It requires the confidence to be aggressive. Instead of attempting to push the opposition player, create space and play the ball, Leno stands there, letting himself be pinned.

There is no aggression after conceding. Arsenal teams of old would have stormed up to the referee. In the modern age, that would be demanding him to consult VAR. Teammates would be surrounding the official, protesting, fighting for every call. The best teams have shown an intelligence not just on the ball, but in how they approach every single aspect of the game, even when it means putting immense pressure on the officials.

The lack of confidence Leno showed has only raised more questions about his continued involvement at the club.

Ability-wise, he has no quality in his play on the ball. If he isn’t inviting terrifying pressure on his defenders, hes’ hoofing it long into no-man’s land. Leno’s usually reliable shot stopping has deteriorated as well.

=1. Striker

The difficulties on the other end of the pitch were no less noticeable. Unfortunate news about the ‘illness’ (believed to be COVID-19) that ruled both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette meant that Folarin Balogun suited up as the starting striker.

The academy product’s Premier League debut was one to forget. Constantly out-muscled by the experienced Brentford backline, Balogun simply could not get involved. Cohesion was nonexistent between the front line as nothing seemed to come off. The tactics of crossing the ball are ineffective when your striker is only 5’10”.

Arsenal need presence. A striker that frightens the opponent. A big marquee signing that defenders don’t drool at the prospect of marking for 90 minutes.

Balogun’s struggles do not mean that he can’t continue to develop, of course. He certainly has the potential to grow into the role. But the gap between the absent strikers and the next generation of youth is far too wide. It’s either a 32-year-old or a 20-year-old.

Aubameyang and Lacazette provide different qualities and have proven to be successful at the highest level of football and while the experience that the two bring is invaluable, Balogun needs more time before he can become a regular starter for the club.

The previously mentioned gap, however, can provide a unique opportunity. Aubameyang and Lacazette are not getting any younger. Bringing in a striker in his early-mid twenties would freshen up the front line. Even more crucially, a player of that age profile would not stunt the growth and development of Balogun and Gabriel Martinelli. They will both still have a role to play moving forward should reinforcements to the striker position be brought in. Still, reinforcements are needed so long as sales are secured.

Arsenal have many positions that need improvements. With only two weeks left in the window, the options for reinforcements start to become restricted. Few teams will be willing to part with key starters as various leagues begin anew. If Arsenal are to do any business at all, they must do so quickly.