4 transfers Arsenal should complete before the deadline

Arrival #1: Youri Tielemans

Although this transfer saga has rumbled on all summer and speculation grows that our interest in the Leicester man is cooling, a deal to sign Youri Tielemans still seems inevitable and would constitute a smart piece of business for Arsenal.

A competent performer as part of a two-man midfield, sole pivot or even in the Granit Xhaka ‘shuttler’ role in a central three, Tielemans’ versatility means he ticks many tactical boxes and is perfectly suited to Arteta’s positional rotation in advanced areas.

He is also comfortable receiving the ball under pressure in build-up phases and – similar to the divisive Swiss – likes to drop into the half-space in order to progress play, ranking in the 89th percentile for progressive passes among his peers in European football over the past year.

There are, of course, some weaknesses in his game, with his defensive work rate and decision-making just two qualities that can sometimes leave much to be desired. But they are far outweighed by the benefits he would bring to the table and, as a 25-year-old with Premier League experience, he is a great fit for our recruitment profile.

His valuation should tumble as the September deadline looms, and a bargain price might be too good an opportunity to pass up.

Continued on the next slide…