Despite their FA Cup win, Arsenal remain a team in transition. Mikel Arteta, brought
in to rebuild rather than refine, is caught between his stylistic preference for possession,
positional play, and proactivity, and what Arsenal are currently capable of. Arteta has
promising youngsters, not least the electric, versatile Bukayo Saka, and pace in Pierre-Emerick
Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe. But much of the squad is wrong for what Arteta appears to
be trying to achieve.
Against teams who sit deeper, Arsenal struggle to unlock defences. A quick glance at their
squad metrics show no top-level players for passes into the penalty area, passes into
the final third, or progressive passing. If Arteta is seeking to make Arsenal more dominant
in possession and capable of creating multiple chances, rather than a team who sits off and
strikes on the break, this is a huge gap that needs filling.
And recent transfer business has been mixed. While Kiernan Tierney has been good as he
comes back to full fitness and William Saliba should offer a lot in defence, Pepe cost too
much, David Luiz looks customarily error-prone in a four-man back line, Lucas Torreira is
out of favour, and Matteo Guendouzi has experienced disciplinary issues.
With the departure of Sven Mislintat, the club decide the position that needs improving
and the transfer committee identify the player. Raul Sanllehi has been described as more of
a negotiator than talent spotter and his fabled network, including agents like Kia Joorabchian,
may be a hindrance rather than a help as it pushes Arsenal’s recruitment down clearly
defined paths. The club led the way in data use under Arsene Wenger, purchasing StatDNA,
has stalled since: Arsenal largely use agents, not analytics.
As Arteta seeks to change Arsenal’s squad to fit his approach, these are the areas we’ve
identified as key.
Arsenal need to be able to unlock defences better. Too much reliance is currently placed
on Lacazette dropping off to link play, while the connection between the defence and midfield,
and the attacking line, is patchy at best. We looked for midfielders who can progress
the ball into dangerous areas, and ideally could play as an attacking eight as well as
a ten.
Monaco’s Alexander Golovin’s value has fallen as Monaco have struggled, but he’s
still performed well there, with nearly two key passes and four final third passes per
90; he’s a skilful all-round midfielder who played in a variety of positions at Monaco
last season.
The inexpensive option is Angelo Fulgini – Angers are one of France’s premier identifiers
of young talent and this attacking 8 or 10 is testament to that strength. He shows up
very well in ball-carrying and passing, creating 1.7 key passes per 90 and significantly underperforming
his xG and xA last season, showing there’s more to come from the 23-year old.
The stand-out, though, and therefore our pick, is Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini. He’s been
linked with Arsenal before and for good reason. Playing largely in the hole in Roma’s preferred
4-2-3-1, he made 2.9 key passes – that’s 9th of Serie A players with over 10 games
– as well as 4.3 passes into the final third and 2.5 into the penalty area, all per 90.
He managed nine assists and one goal, massively underperforming his xG of four. He carries
the ball well, presses ably, and is a useful set piece taker too. Pellegrini roams, even
dropping deep to collect the ball, linking play in a way that means Arsenal’s attackers
could stay higher.
While Roma remain committed to offering Pellegrini a new deal, his existing contract contains
a €30m buyout clause, payable in two instalments. He’s exactly the kind of player who would
dramatically improve Arsenal’s ball progression and creativity; in short, he’s exactly what
they most need and is available at a price they can afford.
Arsenal’s midfield needs go further than just a number 10: they also require someone
who can contribute in defence, transition, and attack, who is comfortable playing in
a two-man midfield, and brings athleticism and physicality.
Our picks are two young, all-round midfielders who wouldn’t cost a huge amount. Toma Basic,
the 6ft2, left-footed, 23-year-old Bordeaux midfielder, has been used as the more attacking
midfielder in a double pivot this season. Defensively he’s solid, making 3.7 tackles
and interceptions and 7.4 successful pressures per 90. He’s also capable of getting the
ball forwards, with three assists to go with his one goal and 2.1 key passes and 5.2 final
third passes per 90. He can also take good set-pieces.
Dijbril Sow, Eintracht Frankfurt’s 23 year old defensive midfielder, is another all-round
talent who can play as a six or an eight. He’s managed 0.2 expected goals per assists
per 90 from a deep-lying position, as well as nearly four final third passes and one
pass to the penalty area per 90. Eight successful pressures per 90, roaming around the pitch,
makes him a useful defensive presence, as do 4.8 successful tackles and interceptions
per 90. Sow can also get forwards to help with attacking play, especially in the right
channel, and is a dynamic player with a lot of potential.
The Athletic’s pick is Thomas Partey, the Atletico Madrid midfielder. Partey is a defensive
midfielder with the stamina and passing range to play higher up the pitch, imposing himself
on games with his energy and intelligent reading of situations. He completes 50 passes, including
6.3 final third passes, per 90, which is a high volume. He keeps play moving forwards
but always ensures he’s there as a covering presence, making 4.9 successful pressures
and 4.1 successful tackles and interceptions per 90.
There’s no doubt he’d be an excellent signing, robust, energetic, and intelligent,
with a great all-round skill-set.
In William Saliba, Arsenal look like they’ve found part of the long-term answer to their
defensive selection issues, but he needs a more reliable partner than David Luiz or any
of Arsenal’s other centre backs, ideally left-sided.
An outside prospect is left-footed Maximilian Wober, 22. The RB Salzburg defender is a genuine
ball-playing centre back with pace and good passing; he does occasionally lack concentration,
however, and it’s a bit of a step-up to nail down a starting spot in the Premier League.
He’s one to watch, though.
Alexander Djiku, a 26 year-old right-footed but left-sided defender has only been at Strasbourg
one season but has been playing top level football in France since 19. He’s a solid
defender, with six clearances, 5.1 tackles and interceptions won, and 1.3 blocks, all
per 90. A sometime defensive midfielder, he’s very proficient with the ball too, capable
of crisp vertical passing through the lines. Although only 6ft tall, he’s a physical
defender and likes to get forwards to pressure the opposition.
Our choice, though, is Evan N’Dicka, the 20 year-old at Eintracht Frankfurt. He’s
probably the most expensive option but as a left-footed defender who is extremely comfortable
in possession and capable of bringing the ball out, that’s no surprise. His defensive
numbers aren’t actually that high – 4.2 clearances, 2.3 blocks, 3.4 tackles and interceptions
won, all per 90 – but centre backs are hard to judge on numbers alone. He’s got good
anticipation, covers intelligently using his pace, and is physically imposing.
Still young, his reading of the game and one-on-one defending can still improve, but his potential
is clear. Helpfully, he is also used to playing on the left of a back three, which would allow
Arsenal to play with a specialist on that flank.