Arsenal: 8 summer transfers to target from relegation candidates

LEEDS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: A dejected Raphinha of Leeds United at full ltime during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on February 26, 2022 in Leeds, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: A dejected Raphinha of Leeds United at full ltime during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on February 26, 2022 in Leeds, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Arsenal, Sarr
WATFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Ismaila Sarr of Watford celebrates scoring their second goal during the Premier League match between Watford and Aston Villa at Vicarage Road on August 14, 2021 in Watford, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

2. Ismaila Sarr – Watford

When Watford were relegated from the Premier League two years ago, them somehow keeping hold of Ismaila Sarr surprised most of Europe. He was their shining light as they went straight back down from the top tier, and he stuck with him through their Championship campaign.

That season in the second tier he scored 13 goals and set up ten more in 40 league outings, carrying that over into the current season where he’s scored five goals and assisted another in 16 appearances for the struggling Hornets.

He’s too good for Watford, and far too good for the Championship.

One of the areas not considered high priority in the summer is a pacey wide player who can operate either side. But, this is a hugely important position to secure with Arteta not having anyone he can trust to cover for Bukayo Saka. If Arsenal secure Champions League football and Nicolas Pepe moves on then they’ll desperately need to fill that position, and Sarr fits the bill.

A tactically astute pace merchant of a wide player with goal threat? Sarr might not be fully there tactically, but he’s got the rest.

Out of contract in 2024, if Watford do go down, which is highly likely, then the AFCON winner has to be looked at as an option.

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