Mikel Arteta may find that he needs to add some extra experience to his Arsenal first team squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Arsenal squad is generally very young.
Mikel Arteta has been happy to invest his faith in youth. However, the Spanish coach will recognise the importance of experience.
Arsenal are set to lose a big chunk of the experience they currently have in their ranks though, as Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares are about to depart the club, whilst Thomas Partey may well follow them out of the Emirates Stadium exit.
This trio departing would leave a dearth of experience in the first team group, with Jorginho the only remaining player aged 30 or over.
Whilst the likes of Leandro Trossard and David Raya would then be expected to step up as senior figures in the dressing room, Arteta may also be keen to use the transfer market to add some extra wisdom to the abundance of youthful exuberance that is already at his disposal.
The Gunners have not been linked with many players over thirty recently, as Arteta and sporting director Edu have prized youth as an asset when profiling potential targets. However, there are a few stars who have already been around the block who have caught their eye.
Three players Arsenal could sign this summer to add experience
Wojciech Szczesny
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has been linked with a surprise return to the Emirates Stadium. The 34-year-old has enjoyed a fine career with Juventus since leaving North London on a permanent basis in 2017, making 251 appearances for the Italian giants and winning three Serie A titles, amongst other honours.
Szczesny knows what it takes to win, knows the club, and would provide worthy competition for Raya between the sticks. Whether he’d be happy to return as a back up option remains to be seen though.
Leonardo Spinazzola
Arsenal were credited with an interest in Leonardo Spinazzola in January. The 31-year-old defender’s current contract with Roma is on the verge of expiry, meaning there is a potential opportunity for the Gunners to pick him up on a free transfer.
Arteta is known to want a new left-back. Spinazzola’s injury record may give the manager pause for thought, but the 24-cap Italy international is still an excellent player on his day.
Jason Steele
Jason Steele has been mooted as a potential solution to Arsenal’s goalkeeper problem, as Aaron Ramsdale is likely to leave the club this summer.
The 33-year-old Brighton shot-stopper is excellent with his feet and has impressed in the Premier League this season. He would be a good fit for the Gunner’s style of play. Steele also has a pre-existing relationship with Raya.