It is always difficult to work out a clubs summer transfer strategy until their business has been concluded but looking at all the most recent Arsenal transfer rumours I am starting to see a pattern developing.
It is well known that Arsenal has a restricted transfer budget and therefore has to look at cheaper options and be a little creative and so going to markets where quality players can be had for a bargain does make sense and that seems to be what Unai Emery is attempting to do in the South American market.
As an example, we are looking for a replacement for Aaron Ramsey and loads of players have been linked with us for that role but since the loss to Chelsea in the Europa League final and therefore no Champions League football next season the number of possible successors to the Welsh Wizard has dwindled.
Still on the list to replace Ramsey include three South American midfielders, Boca Juniors pair Nahitan Nandez and Emanuel Reynoso and River Plate star Exequiel Palacios.
There is nothing wrong with concentrating on a particular market for bargain basement players that could be something special and I have no criticism of the club for going down that road.
In fact, it makes perfect economic sense and could possibly work out for us in a very positive way.
If this is the clubs new strategy, targeting players from markets outside Europe at a bargain basement price then I am ok with it but it does mean that the chances of buying any marque players are almost zero.
Lots of good players are at the South American market these days, they have good work rate and technique so it will be good to get them early on and let them intergrate.
Hope we get players in areas that are needed, LW, RW, CM, LB, CB
Not like there’s much choice there, but then again, spuds have done a very similar thing and consequently put an end to the holy st. Totteringham’s day AND reached the UCL final. Arsenal might do the same and possibly a bit better, with a bit better wage structure and training facilities.
As long as they don’t bring more of the Mustafi/Kalstrom kinda players, I’ll be happy.
OT: This is not new news, but Aliko Dangote (Nigerian multi-Billionaire) is an Arsenal fan and wants to buy the club. He had said in an interview that he will pursue this project in 2020 after he completes another project back in Nigeria. This guy seems to be serious, and maybe he’ll make an offer that the Yankee cannot refuse.
No chance
And maybe, just MAYBE, rain will cease to be wet and become dry.
If we are going to rebuild then rebuild starting with the departures of Ozil, Mhiki, Mustafi, Elneny & Koss, let the youth step up in their places;
Ozil > SmithRowe and Iwobi
Mustafi > Mavraponas
Koss > Holding and Chambers
Elneny > Maitland Niles
Mhiki > Guendouzi
RB
Bellerin will be back after season starts, in talks with PSG for Munier. Not bad or that expensive.
RW
Willok, Baka, Nelson are all there for that position
That’s not a bad thing but couldn’t be any worse than what we have got from the so called stars above. Youth has to be where we start for a rebuild and work around the likes of Leno, Torreira, Laca & Auba.
Alot of work to be done
Relying on these youngsters to do the job will take us from Europa to mid table, but I don’t mind taking the hit and let them gradually develop their game for hopefully a better future
Nelson is even better now compared to Ozil. While Smith Rowe is playing more creative and dynamic than Micki. I also see Holding and Chambers are the future of Arsenal back line and losing Holding last season is the main reason why we conceded a lot after the break. Willock can play Ramsey’s roles but he needs to step-up his work rate. And Nketiah is a good back-up. Baka can play RW and LW.
But I agree we still need to add more players to boost the moral of the team, like for CB, LB, and Striker.
Great thinking Sean.
I hope the new transfer strategy is based on signing good young players rather than pouring vast sums of money on the likes of Mustafi, Sokratis and Xhaka.Our fans are happy to accept quality from any part of the planet.
Sokratis… He’s been a very good signing for us – a no-nonsense defender who loves to defend. Mustafi was also a great signing although he never did fulfill his potential. Getting a World Cup winner straight from the tournament in his best age was a superb deal but it didn’t work out. Priority must be to focus on promoting youngsters who are promising, match them with some of the experienced players we have in abundance and buy the 1 CB we really need.
Sokratis, very good? Are you quite well? And how are you coping with that straitjacket!
We need a left winger, a left back, an attacking midfielder, a box to box midfielder.
And ur formation with one winger is?
The strategy more than likely is Target players with less than a year on their deals for a knockdown price,players out of contract & young 18 yrs plus ideally early 20s who can bring energy & dynamism minus the redic price tags.It is for me at any rate the only way.until we can get rid of our a)owner who doesn’t give a f**k & b) deadwood costing a fortune & who also don’t give a f** k ( here’s looking at you big eyes & miki…
“It is well known that Arsenal has a restricted transfer budget”.
What is happening to Just Arsenal??? You are almost scared to challenge the real problem…….. Kroenke!!!!!! If you are going to be ‘brown nosers’ who is going to read your articles? Not long ago you had some hard edged writers who had the courage to speak out. Now I’m reading like you’ve given up. We have an owner with $8 billion. Start to challenge him rather than meekly go along with his shyster project. Challenge the man. What’s a matter with you?
Sean, as well how can people quote a supposed transfer budget of £40 million, when the Adidas kit deal brings in £60 million per annum? Where is the income going if not spent on transfers?
T2T with respect if you think Mustafi and Sokratis have been good signings you are either very easily pleased or unaware of what skills are required to make a quality defender.