Mikel Arteta’s priority clear to see with transfer rumors

Transfer rumors never really cease. New and old whispers alike continue long after the doors of the transfer window shut. These whispers only get louder after the window opens. The season only ended last week, and Arsenal has already been linked to countless players.

Some of these transfer rumors result from accurate and detailed reporting. Others are born of agents and other interested parties. Despite the veracity of these rumors (and moves as they get completed), they can often reveal much about a club and its strategy.

Tottenham’s signings of Fraser Forster and Ivan Perisic signal a “win-or-bust” short-term mentality. Signing aging stars in the hopes of winning something now is synonymous with Antonio Conte. His priority is thus laid bare.

The transfer rumors around Arsenal reveal key insights into their priority going into the new season. These stories have a great deal of sense. The names that have been drifting about in the void include Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Both players fill positions of need, are young, and have experience working with Mikel Arteta from his time in the blue half of Manchester.

Beyond that, both players fulfill a key priority: versatility. Jesus often lines up as a striker or false nine but can play any position along the front line. His versatility has been crucial in filling in for injured attacking players in City’s impressive setup.

Zinchenko possesses the same strength. At City, he has largely been deployed as a left-back. He boasts great athleticism and unique game intelligence. He can bomb forward and sprint outside on the overlap. He can also take up more central positions due to his time as a midfielder.

The news suggests that Arteta views the Ukraine international as a midfielder, but his versatility provides security in a position that does not have the sturdiest of footballers. Kieran Tierney is one of the first names on the timesheet, but his frequent spells on the sideline are worrying, to say the least.

While filling in during injury crises is a value much-needed in this Arsenal team, the transfers of Jesus and Zinchenko would provide an in-game fluidity. This threat and the confusion caused by players taking up different and dangerous positions will only unsettle opposing teams.

The signings of these Man City players make a great deal of sense. Let’s hope Arteta can get them done.