Arsenal: 2 signings that could make a quick impact

Searching around the bottom of the barrel for some modicum of positivity to brighten the ever dimming mood in and around Arsenal is stumping even the most steadfast supporters of Mikel Arteta and his team.

It’s growing increasingly harder to take solace in the slump. This despite it only being three matches full of mitigation into the season following an undoubted period of progression under Arteta in the second half of last season.

Given the relative lack of strength in the starting lineup and the desperate need to raise the quality levels, the transfer business this season has caused distress and disappointment among supporters.

Five signings have been brought in – Aaron Ramsdale, Nuno Tavares, Ben White, Sambi Lokonga and Martin Odegaard – but only two of those arrive as certified starters. Just one of those two wasn’t here last term. Given it’s around £130m parted with, the criticism has come raining down.

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2 summer transfer signings that could make a quicker than anticipated impact at Arsenal as Mikel Arteta aims to wrestle control of their faltering form

But there is no denying that the squad is improved. And, despite three of the additions being back-up options, two could well be fast-tracked to the first team this season sooner than expected.

Sambi has already played more than anticipated due to Thomas Partey’s absence, and Arteta leaving him out of the City lineup hinted more towards protecting the player than genuinely believing Granit Xhaka was a wiser option as a single pivot. Well, maybe not.

With the Swiss deservedly banned for three games following his inexplicably stupid red card challenge on Saturday, it opens the door for a Sambi and Partey midfield partnership. On the basis that Mohamed Elneny isn’t drafted in, of course.

Immediately, on paper and in practice, this is a more dynamic pairing; one with more varied progressive qualities and an undoubted lift in athleticism and mobility. Will it work? Well, there is only one way to find out not much else in the way of options.

Those three matches are Norwich at home, Burnley away and Tottenham at home. These are a trio of fixtures that could save or sink Arteta. If Sambi and Partey strike up a partnership that enhances Arsenal’s tempo, stability and movability, then for all of Arteta’s adoration for Xhaka, you shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken.

That’s one signing not originally intended to have made the impact he’s had, who could well be set for regular Premier League starting berths even with a full contingent to choose from.

As for Bernd Leno, in the past two matches he’s pulled off the calibre of save that have become hallmarks of his time in north London: he is a fine shot-stopper. With someone whose stock has arguably grown in the past few weeks, why would Ramsdale enter the fray?

Against Chelsea and especially against Manchester City, the disconnect between defence and goalkeeper was vast. There was no communication or organisation. Players missed tracking runners, moved for the wrong balls and positioned themselves not in accordance with their teammates. A lot of that falls on Leno, but not all.

We don’t know anywhere near enough about Ramsdale. One impressive outing against West Brom Under-23’s isn’t sufficient to see him assume the number one jersey. Yet, if dialogue continues to be played in mute between the German and his defence, then the ever vocal Ramsdale may have more chance to stake a claim. He barks orders constantly.

The 23-year-old has less chance of being a regular fixture sooner than Sambi, but £24m worth of goalkeeper isn’t certain to be a bench option. Any inkling of a drop in form for Leno, who is still capable of errors and lacking with his distribution – going long constantly against City, for example – does open the door for more influence on the starting lineup by this summer’s additions.