The current transfer window (summer) saw some ups and downs for Arsenal. There was a lot of deadwood to be expedited from the club and the recruitment got rid of some of them. However, not all the players that were supposed to be gotten rid of, could be sold. It is just the way that things have been at Arsenal in recent seasons.
Despite that, there were some positives that happened too. Though, the #ArtetaOut fanbase rather overlooked these things, it became essential to talk about these points too. Often when the fanbase is angry or in disarray, they tend to focus on the wrongs more than the rights.
This is just another such instance and here are three positives from the summer transfer window that is still giving some of the Arsenal fans some hope-
Most Money Spent By A Premier League Club
On August 20th, 2021, Arsenal was the highest spender in the Premier League with regards to the transfer window. The amount at that point was £129m. That was before they added another defensive star to their squad before the transfer window closed. Takehiro Tomiyasu was signed for another £17m on deadline day.
Below is the total as per 20th August, as per Sky Sports-
The eventual total post the Tomiyasu was £146m. This was still the highest spending for any club in the top flight of English football. Arsenal had finally gone big in a summer transfer window and Mikel Arteta was backed. The plan was made to bring in upcoming talents that could be long-term assets.
This was a change that was seen at the club after years. For the first time in the 21st century, the Gunners had intent. This was a positive sign with the Kroenkes still in charge. Whether the players were the ones that the team needs or not, remains to be seen. Performances will be a judge of that for sure!!
A Better Transfer Window In General For Arsenal
The 2020 summer transfer window was abysmal apart from the Thomas Partey and Gabriel signing (Rating 1.5/5). The club didn’t sign the first-choice target that Mikel Arteta wanted, which was a creative midfielder (Aouar). This clearly proved to be the talking point, as the return of Emile Smith Rowe turned things around for the north London giants.
One of the major problems in that window was the whole Raul scam. It left the club high and dry. Mikel Arteta was made MANAGER in September (10th of September) with the window closing in October. The so-called rookie manager had been given an added role, which he took time to adjust to. Eventually, they realized they needed more backing and Richard Garlick was brought in as a chief negotiator and work with a plan.
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It all started with the exit of David Luiz (no extension) and the sale of Joe Willock to Newcastle for a fee of £25m. Hector Bellerin left the club on a loan to Real Betis. Lucas Torreira bid adieu as well, along with Willian who tore down his own contract, leaving a sum of £20m behind, just to go back to Brazil. Lastly, Willian Saliba and Matteo Guendouzi were sent back on loan, along with Mavropanos on yet another loan at Stuttgart.
However, this window has been much more pleasing and the results should be evident in the games that follow. The fans will be hoping that Arteta can turn things around. Despite that, the task will not be easy, with the injuries and the lack of form that the team has shown so far.
There is still some deadwood at the club. Keeping that in mind, Arteta needs to fix his playing eleven and finalize the players that he needs at the club, while the management and recruitment team works on a plan to get rid of the surplus. Another situation that needs to be monitored very closely.
Young And Precise Signings To Fill In Most Voids In The Team
The team was in need of some fresh blood. That is what has been delivered. Though the fans would have liked more experienced players, the voids to fill were plenty. Recently, Edu Gaspar came out and stated that it was his and the managements’ plan to go with upcoming stars and Mikel Arteta agreed to go with that.
With that being said, they got a young homegrown keeper that can play out from the back in Aaron Ramsdale. The goalie can replace Bernd Leno in the long run if he can perform and this meant Alex Runarsson was sent out on loan. It could create a healthy competition in goal and urge the German to up his game.
A young English, ball-playing centre-back in Ben White, to possible replace Rob Holding and eventually sell Callum Chambers. Further, they got a young left-back who can also play on the right, to be a backup for Kieran Tierney in Nuno Taraves.
On the other hand, a young Belgian midfielder (box-to-box), who already looks class in Albert Sambi Lokonga. The 21-year-old star looks better than Matteo Guendouzi, whom the club is keen on selling. With regards to the creative play, Arsenal managed to sign Norwegian skipper Martin Odegaard on a permanent transfer.
Summary Of The Transfer Window For Arsenal (Rating 3/5)
The signings have been made. The team is rather young and fresh. However, the only concern the fans now have is whether the team can click. Also, they are hoping that with the players that he needed, Arteta can produce better results. The recruitment still has work to do with regard to the overhaul, as players like Eddie Nketiah and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are still at the club.
On the other hand, Saed Kolasinac’s potential exit did not happen either, along with Mohamed Elneny failing to leave too. That along with the sale of some of the loaned out players and the ever-existing deadwood.
Arsenal still is in need of more central midfielders and there is no doubt that Granit Xhaka needs to go too. However, that shall happen in the upcoming windows for sure. For now, the team needs to get back to winning ways if Arteta wants to retain his job. Only time will tell!!
