Arsenal legend Michael Thomas claims that the club will need a minimum of five new players added this summer, and names four who he would invest in.
The Gunners disappointing performance at the weekend has raised a number of questions, with the team giving very little to feel positive about.
While some are pointing the finger at the manager, Thomas doesn’t believe it is time to make that change, but believes he should be allowed to integrate more of his own players into the team before the club considers which way to go.
“I don’t think Arsenal need to be thinking about a new manager just yet,” Thomas told CaughtOffside exclusively. “A new manager will experience the same issues until they have their own team of players in place to produce what they want.
“I think Arteta needs to finish the season on a high with the Europa League and try and get more of his own players integrated into the team.
“If then he cannot get his group of players to perform then Arsenal as a club will have to decide where they go from there.
“I’d say a minimum of five signings are needed: a right-back, (Achraf Hakimi), left-back (Ryan Bertrand), central midfield (Yves Bissouma and Martin Odegaard), and a left winger.”
Personally I struggle to believe that we will be able to strike a deal for either Odegaard or Hakimi as much as I would like to see them at the club next term.
Both are deserving of playing in the Champions League, and the Europa League at present looks a big ask when looking at our level or performance.
Bissouma and Bertrand on the other hand are very attainable, and would be a huge boost to two of our weaker areas.
While Thomas’s signings may well have been picked on the back of us winning the EL, there is still some way to go on that for me, but those positions are the ones that most need looking at.
Do you believe we need at least five signings this summer? Will the club sign off on that?
Patrick
With Auba, Saka, Pepe, Nelson , Martinelli , Willian and, if necessary ESR, all capable of playing on the left wing, I do not see the need for another wide forward.Bertrand and Bissouma would be good acquisitions but like you Patrick I have doubts of our being able to secure Odegaard or Hakimi.That being the case, I would go for James Justin of Leicester who have 3 very good right backs but have never replaced Chilwell on the left and need cash to do so.Indeed I have heard they too, may be interested in Bertrand.As for an AM the likes of Grealish and Maddison are likely to be beyond our budget so we will probably have to recruit from overseas to find the quality player we need.Ideally I would like an upgrade for Xhaka, who whilst he is a decent midfielder ,is not suited to the pace and intensity of the EPL.Finally I would like a magic wand to turn Arsenal into a side which will challenge the likes of Man City and Liverpool who , it has to be said have set high standard.I wish them both well in their big games tonight .
A magic wand would be most welcome