The glaring problem Arsenal must fix before the transfer window ends

Arsenal have been busy this summer with Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos, Matt Turner, set to be joined by OIeksandr Zinchenko as the club’s new arrivals. However, there is still a massive problem for Mikel Arteta to address.

To say the Gunners have had a great summer window is an understatement. The addition of Jesus adds so much to Arsenal’s attack, while Vieira should help in the creativity department. Zinchenko will also add versatility as he can play in defence and midfield.

However, despite all of the great things done, during Arsenal’s pre-season games, there is a glaring issue that needs to be resolved.

If the pre-season games taught us anything, aside from Gabriel Jesus being a bonafide star for the club, it is that the team’s squad depth is abysmal. Many have pointed to this as why the Gunners failed to clinch a top four spot last season.

The glaring problem Arsenal must fix before the transfer window ends

Against FC Nurnberg, Everton, and Orlando City, Arteta fielded a relatively weakened team for a half. In each game, the likes of Pablo Mari, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Nuno Tavares, Mohaned Elneny, Nicolas Pepe, and Reiss Nelson all featured. They all failed to impress (although Nelson scored against Orlando).

With all of the players mentioned above on the pitch, Arsenal looked boring, bereft of ideas going forward, and could be got at defensively at will. Most will likely be looking to be shipped out by Arteta, but the squad needs to be strengthened.

The first team is capable of going toe to toe with the best in the Premier League, but they remain one or two injuries away from disaster – despite their proactivity this summer.

While it is unlikely that every undesired squad member is moved on this summer, the majority should. There is a vast gap between the starters and the fringe players, and we have already seen the struggles. Against FC Nurnberg, a second-division German side, and against Orlando, who are in the MLS, they were second best.

For most, that is unacceptable, and it needs to change. The signings so far have been fantastic and give the Gunners a real chance to push for a top-four spot, but the weakness that plagued them in the run-in last season is still there.

It must be fixed by adding decent enough squad players to raise the floor for those already in the squad.

If not, then there could come a time when Mikel Arteta will need to call on some of them, and Arsenal’s Premier League or Europa League future hangs squarely on their shoulders.

Yikes.