3 players from Southampton Arsenal should sign

Performances in recent weeks have shown fans a different Arsenal, one marked by lethargy and inexperience. Players have looked tired. The long campaign and the constant pressure has resulted in a sharp drop-off in form and belief. Yet despite recency bias, the potential of this team must not be forgotten.

The early part of the season showed fans a young, energetic and potent team. Tough wins were scraped out, big away games were won handsomely, and the team went toe-to-toe with the top teams in the league. Arsenal must not only be proud of these earlier performances, but critical of where the team can improve. The bench must continue to be improved even as the starting XI is upgraded.

3 players from Southampton Arsenal should sign

Relegated sides are common shopping grounds for wealthier teams, with transfer fees being sharply reduced in light of the impacts of dropping to a lower league. Arsenal must capitalise on the young talent that is too good for the Championship. Only one team, Southampton, has been confirmed to be relegated. Here are three players from Southampton Arsenal should sign.

3. Tino Livramento/Kyle Walker-Peters

The position of right back continues to be a role that needs recruitment. Ben White has performed admirably but his body has yet to fully adjust to a new position. Tired legs have clearly affected him as the season has progressed. Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury concerns remain in place. Brooke Norton-Cuffy is a possible option from the academy but the jury is still out on his ability to play significant minutes in the first-team squad.

Southampton boasts several possible options at right-back that would provide different profiles to that in the squad. Kyle Walker-Peters has impressed for the relegated side. He is solid defensively and is more mobile going forward. The only hindrance might be his history playing with Tottenham.

A perhaps more realistic option is Tino Livramento. Although a product of the Chelsea academy, he never made his debut with the first team, rendering him more receptive to a potential move. While Chelsea have a buy-back clause, the instability at the club and their treatment of youth players might just afford Arsenal an opportunity should they decide to pursue him.

The positives of the transfer are clear to see. The right-back has been injured for a year now, dropping his potential transfer value. Livramento also has longevity on his side. He is only 20 years old and will only improve. Despite standing at 6’0, he moves fluidly. His dribbling ability and a solid engine allow him to sprint up and down the touchline. Arsenal’s right-backs have often been tasked with coming into midfield or underlapping but Livramento would offer a more natural attacking option.

Bukayo Saka has often gotten the ball facing multiple defenders. A constant overlapping threat in Livramento would provide the space Saka needs to do damage to opposing defences. When he does receive the ball in space, he drives forward well but his crossing needs to be improved. Despite his limitations and inexperience, he would provide a much-needed alternative to the profiles of White and Tomiyasu. In a long season, that could work wonders for Arsenal’s results.

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