Who should Arsenal sign for next season?

As the end of the season draws near, we set our sights on the future.

Because presently, we can only control what we can control: playing our best football and hoping Manchester City slips up.

There is still a chance we can end up as Premier League title winners if the showrunners throw in a late, late season drama. (Assuming it is a scripted. Lol.)

However, if that doesn’t happen, it is safe to assume that we are going to end up second in the table. And that is a strong finish which sets us up well when it comes to contract renewal and player purchase.

I would say more players would be keen to join Arsenal as we now offer Champions League football.

Using that bait, we are in a position to upgrade our squad without trying to break the wage structure to meet any player’s salary demands. It’s the journey, not just the money.

A good case study would be Mudryk. This boy chose money, and we can all safely say that he is not enjoying his football at the moment.

On this note, let us look at the positions we need to reinforce this summer:

1. Centerback: We simply cannot depend on Holding if we are to beat Manchester City in a convincing manner. It is time to look for a fearless defender who dares to put his head where others won’t put their feet. Haaland can be stopped. Your time to shine, Edu!
2. Saka’s deputy: Our Starboy needs a backup. We have Champions League and FA cup. We need the manpower to handle the schedule. It pays in many ways to have a solid second team, in terms of backup and also contract negotiation.
3. Xhaka’s replacement: This summer is the time to still get some money back for Xhaka. He has been a good servant for the club, and we should part ways on good terms. Please don’t even think about his journey to help Arsenal win the Champions League because it is not possible.
4. Solid backup for right-back or inverted right-back: Since we even tried to play Tierney as an inverted left-back, it doesn’t hurt to train or buy an inverted right-back. It could come from our academy, or we buy a right-back with the ball skills, and Arteta upgrades him with the know-how to commandeer our midfield.
5. Partey’s successor: We have to assume Elneny will not ever play for Arsenal again. At most, he is going to play ten more games next season. That is not the definition of ‘Partey’s successor.’ To be honest, Partey did not play well during the few games where City overtook us to 1st position in April 2023. We need a solid heir: young, energetic, fast, and vicious. The new guy should be able to carry the ball so well and break any press. This is a potential headache.
6. Tierney’s replacement: Sounds like he is going to Newcastle. We need a solid backup. Tavares is not the one. Please don’t even think that is a possibility.
7. Solid striker who can dominate the air and unsettle defenses: Preferably wicked with both feet. I am imagining Drogba. Could be Ivan Toney if he swears not to get involved in any football betting.

I am already looking forever to the new squad for next season. FULL OF HOPE!

COYG!