The main goal behind Arsenal’s 2022 summer recruitment

Arsenal’s recruitment in recent years has often been marked by chaos. There was little strategy and a clear disconnect between those making the deals and the manager.

In Arsene Wenger’s final season, Alexandre Lacazette was bought in the summer for a then club-record fee before, six months later, the club broke their transfer record once more by signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund. Elsewhere, Alexis Sanchez was swapped for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while the likes of Stephan Lichtsteiner and Sokratis were brought in.

Following Wenger’s departure, the arrival of Nicolas Pepe signalled another smashing of club’s record transfer fee but the Ivorian was supposedly bought against the wishes of Unai Emery, who wanted to bring Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha to the carpet.

Arsenal’s transfer strategy has become much clearer since Mikel Arteta joined the club

Under Mikel Arteta and Edu, however, the recruitment has come on leaps and bounds. The manager has the backing of the owners and the strategy behind the signings is clear to see (Gary Neville must be blind!). Older players have been phased out, and young backups with potential have been bought to ensure the rebuild stays on course.

The main goal behind Arsenal’s summer recruitment must be diversity. The squad was heavily restricted by the options on the bench, with players frequently possessing similar skillsets. Granit Xhaka was a stable piece in the midfield cog, but there was no mobile, goalscoring alternative. Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah have different strengths but neither are tall, assertive nor aerially dominant.

Despite Thomas Partey’s world-class quality, having a Fabinho-esque midfielder would revolutionize the midfield. Having a disruptive defensive player shielding the back four alongside the Ghanaian in bigger games would offer a stable base for the team.

Adding players that bring different aspects and qualities to the team is crucial. Although Cedric is far below the level required, he does offer a threat on the overlap that Takehiro Tomiyasu does not provide as often (largely due to instruction as opposed to ability).

Arteta will continue to add important pieces to the squad. Talent and ability are the first hurdles that must be passed. After that, the manager must find players that suit his system and can perform specific roles and perhaps unfamiliar tasks within it. Versatility is valued highly by the Spaniard.

With five subs being allowed next season, this diversity will be crucial to the team’s success. Arteta needs strength in depth.