Ian Wright has had his say on what Arsenal have to do in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners finished second again in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta‘s men have reduced the gap between themselves and Manchester City, but there’s still some catching up to do.
The summer transfer window, which will open in June, will give Arsenal an opportunity to sign some world-class players to take the club to the next level.
Ian Wright explains what Arsenal need to do in the transfer window
Arsenal‘s planning for the summer window must already be underway.
Edu Gaspar and Arteta will probably have a list of players they want to sign, and we expect the Gunners to make a few big moves.
Many feel a new striker is a necessity for Arsenal. The North Londoners have been heavily linked with the likes of Alexander Isak and Brian Brobbey recently.
However, Wright believes Arsenal’s priority lies in three different areas.
“Everyone’s talked about [Arsenal’s need to sign] a centre forward, but as difficult as it’s been, we can deal with the hit of not having that out-and-out centre forward,” Wright said on the Stick to Football podcast.
“I think we need cover for Bukayo Saka, we need cover for William Saliba, and another midfielder probably.
“You look at what Manchester City are capable of doing in respect of bringing players in. You have to have somebody to come in who can challenge William Saliba for his position, because we need to strengthen the whole squad – look at our bench.”
Three players Arsenal could sign after Wright’s transfer advice
Wright wants Arsenal to sign a new right-winger, a centre-back and also a midfielder.
The Gunners have been linked with multiple players in each of those positions already, and here’s one player for each role we think Arteta and Edu could sign this summer.
Centre-back – Ousmane Diomande
Arsenal have Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba as their first-choice central defenders, while Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior and Jurrien Timber could all play there as well.
On paper, it doesn’t look like the Gunners need a new centre-back, but if Kiwior leaves, the door could open for a new man to take his place.
Sporting Lisbon star Diomande has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.
The Ivorian is a terrific talent. He’s still only 20 years old and has already shown huge promise. His performance against Arsenal in the Europa League was exceptional as well.
We think Diomande would be a great signing for Arsenal.
Central midfielder – Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal are short of options in the middle of the park.
Declan Rice is the main man there, while Jorginho has penned a new deal. Thomas Partey, however, could leave the club, as will the likes of Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Arsenal are almost guaranteed to dive into the market for a new central midfielder, and Zubimendi has been on Arteta’s radar for a long time.
The Gunners manager rarely ever gets his transfers wrong, so if he believes Zubimendi is the right fit for Arsenal, fans should trust him.
The Spanish midfielder will be available for around £50 million this summer.
Right winger – Michael Olise
Arsenal have needed a backup for Saka on the right wing for at least a couple of seasons.
The Englishman is forced to play almost every single game because there is nobody else at Emirates Stadium who can do what he does.
Arteta needs to address that issue this summer, and Crystal Palace star Olise has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.
The Frenchman scored 10 goals and provided six assists for the Eagles in just 14 starts in the Premier League. He is a phenomenal talent, and we think he’d fit in really well at Arsenal.
Olise will be a wanted man this summer, and Palace have already slapped a £60 million price tag on him.