The Signings Arsenal Should Target This Summer
Which positions need reinforcements? Does Arteta actually need to buy a striker? Our detailed analysis answers these questions and more.
Here we are once again. Arsenal have come so far only to finish empty-handed in May. Despite a solid showing in the Champions League and a Premier League campaign that built on last season’s, it’s clear that Arteta will need to raise the standards even further if Arsenal is to get the better of Pep Guardiola and his behemoth Manchester City.
The big question is: how can he do that? Arsenal now have a squad with at least one top level player for each starting position. The next logical step, then, is to ensure that each position has enough depth to be able to rotate the squad without any drop off in quality. This is the key to maximizing points in a long, grueling season — a squad able to turn, say, a mid-season draw against Chelsea into a win.
The positions we’ve identified in most need of reinforcements are center back, central or defensive midfield (where Arsenal are light at the moment) and the wings, because depth and variety is key to a functioning attack. First up, defense.
Defensive Reinforcements: Saliba understudies
William Saliba has been a revelation for Arsenal’s defence since he joined the first team in 2022. Alongside Gabriel Magalhães, he’s brought a security and confidence to Arsenal’s backline rarely seen since the Invincibles era. Saliba’s quick recovery pace and his comfort as a ball-playing center back are essential to how Arteta’s Arsenal play, enabling the midfield and front line to squeeze up the pitch if needed to box opponents in with a high press.
To visualize exactly what kind of defender Saliba is, we use the chart below to illustrate where he ranks on 12 metrics compared to other defenders:
To state the obvious, there is no definitive defensive metric that can objectively show a defender’s quality. A low tackle score is not an indicator of low quality. (As Paolo Maldini once said, “if I have to make a tackle, then I’ve already made a mistake.”) It’s worth contextualizing stats based on the playing style of each player and team. For example, Saliba’s relatively low score in the “defending” section can be explained by the fact that Arsenal generally dominate possession, leading to fewer opportunities for defensive actions compared to teams like Sheffield United. A related observation: given Arteta’s high line, Saliba scores in the 96 percentile for touches in the middle third, and much lower for touches in the defensive third.
Saliba’s importance is perhaps most felt in his absence, as evidenced by the collapse of Arsenal’s title race at the end of the 2022–23 season, particularly in the games after he picked up a back injury. For that reason, Arsenal should look to recruit an understudy who can serve as back up — a difficult position to fill given that Saliba has only recently turned 23 and is already considered one of the best defenders in the world. However, there are three players who could make for good signings.
Ousmane Diomande
Diomande joined Sporting CP at the start of the 22–23 season from FC Midtjylland. His profile has only grown since then, as he has become a regular presence on Rúben Amorim’s title-winning squad this season.
There are clear similarities between Diomande and Saliba. Diomande is very comfortable on the ball — he scores in the 90th percentile for progressive passing and in the 94th for link-up play. He is also comfortable playing in Lisbon’s high line. Standing at 6 feet, 3 in., he has the height and physicality to dominate in aerial duels and is proficient at carrying the ball out from the back. Having only recently turned 20, he suits Arteta’s preferred age group for signings.
The problem is he’s unlikely to come cheap. Europe’s top clubs are already preparing bids for his services and given his €80 million release clause and a contract expiring in 2027, it could be a tough battle to secure his signature.
Leny Yoro
There must be something in the Parisian water that is consistently creating top level defenders, with Lille’s Leny Yoro following Saliba, Nordi Mukiele and Ibrahima Konaté as the latest emerging talent from the suburbs of the French capital. At only 18 years of age, he has already firmly established himself as Lille’s starting center-back and has been a key member of their push for a Champions League spot this season.
Yoro has a slightly lower score compared to Saliba vis-à-vis progressive passing but he ranks high in regards to interceptions and blocks and clearances, meaning that he is proficient in his defensive duties when Lille are defending in their half. Yoro has room to improve — especially in terms of physicality and decision making — but there is a strong solidity to his base stats.
Real Madrid are said to be keeping a close eye on Yoro — his current deal runs until 2025 and he has refused to sign a new contract. If Arsenal expect to sign him, they will likely need to part with north of €60 million for him, perhaps a hefty fee for a young back up defender.
Jorne Spileers
Spileers signed for Club Brugge from Belgian second tier team Club NXT in January 2023, having previously played for Club Brugge’s U-18 squad. Capable of playing on both sides of center back partnership, Spileers avoids jumping straight into tackles, and rather uses his body and positioning to shut off avenues for the opposition. His tactical intelligence, along with his ability to dictate the play with his excellent passing range, squarely puts him in the ball-playing centre back category. Spileers is also very comfortable carrying the ball out from the back, as evidenced by his 95th percentile score for progressive carrying distance.
Transfermarkt lists his value as only €5 million, making Spileers very much a budget option. Given that Arsenal have recruited heavily in defense over the past few years, with several players who can play multiple positions along the backline, Spileers represents a low-risk option to plug the back line in case Saliba is injured or simply need a rest.
Midfield Reinforcements: Metronomes
It’s become clear that Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice are nailed on starters in Arteta’s midfield. However the final midfield position is still under contention. When called upon, Jorginho has filled in admirably for Thomas Partey, who has spent the majority of the seasoned injured. The Italian has provided a calming presence against high-intensity opponents determined to unsettle Arteta’s play style. (Arsenal’s 3–1 victory against Liverpool in February comes to mind.) His contract is due to expire at the end of this season, though there is the option to extend for a year. But with both Jorginho and Partey now on the wrong side of 30, perhaps it’s time to prioritize a recruit who can play at the base and middle of Arsenal’s midfield for years to come.
The following players can play in the box-to-box role as well as in a deeper position should the need arise. Important qualities to these roles include aiding in the build-up phase and advancing the ball forward with line-breaking passes, especially to connect with Gabriel Martinelli, who has suffered in the absence of Granit Xhaka’s quick, direct service. In terms of age profile, as long as they are under 30 years old and in their prime years (or yet to reach them), they are eligible for selection.
Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong has been considered one of the best midfielders in the world since he burst onto the scene as part of Erik Ten Hag’s Ajax during their impressive Champions League run in the 2018–19 season. Despite Barcelona’s issues on and off the pitch over the past several years, de Jong has consistently been one of the best performers on the team.
De Jong really stands out among other midfielders in Europe’s top 5 leagues, excelling in link-up play, progressive passing, carries, and ball retention (90 score). His versatility aids both build-up and direct attacking play, aligning with Arteta’s preference for ball-playing defenders and midfielders like Timber, Zinchenko, and Jorginho. Although not a prolific goal scorer, his ability to advance into the final third (91st percentile) compensates for a non-penalty xG of 11 and xA of 47. Defensively, he’s formidable, excelling in middle third tackles and ball recoveries (89 & 84). Arteta’s emphasis on pitch dominance and high pressing would benefit from his presence, making Arsenal tough to break down.
The financial constraints at Barcelona could facilitate a move, given that de Jong is among the highest earners, raking in around €300,000 per week. However, uncertainties remain, with de Jong reportedly happy in Barcelona. (A €90 million bid from Manchester United was rejected just last year.) And if a bidding war were to happen this summer, Arsenal could be quickly priced out. Their reluctance to overpay may jeopardize their chances if a bidding war escalates.
Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich has been playing at the top level of world football for nearly 10 years now. Previously he would be considered untouchable in Munich, but things have changed in the last year, with Kimmich reportedly not happy about departing coach Thomas Tuchel publicly questioning his credentials as a holding midfielder, as well as public fallouts with the higher-ups at Bayern. So there remains a possibility that he could be open for a switch this summer.
For a top level midfielder, Kimmich ranks in the bottom 50% for tackles in the middle and defensive thirds of the pitch this season. His score of 8 in aerials won per game is not necessarily indicative of a world class ball winner, but perhaps understandable given Kimmich plays in a double pivot midfield with Leon Goretzka, who has been tasked with the primary defensive duties of Bayern’s midfield.
The attacking and possession attributes paint a much stronger picture. Amongst all other midfielders in Europe’s top 5 leagues, Kimmich comes out on top in nearly every category. He is in the 98th percentile for both shot-creating actions — the two offensive actions directly preceding a shot on goal (e.g. passes, take-ons or fouls) — and progressive passes. He’s able to keep and circulate the ball with ease, and move it into the dangerous areas of the opposition half. Combined with the defensive qualities of Rice, the two could make for a powerful combination in the Arsenal midfield.
Martín Zubimendi
The final name on our midfielders list plays in San Sebastián. Martín Zubimendi has been shining for the last 2 seasons as a defensive minded midfielder for Real Sociedad. A defensive minded midfielder in the mold of Sergio Busquets, Zubimendi has the most similar profile to Jorginho or Partey of the three midfielders selected, and would be the most like-for-like replacement. He has already been linked to Arsenal, though nothing concrete has yet emerged.
Zubimendi is excellent at winning his aerial battles and is formidable at intercepting opposition passes. He’s not one to lead a high press, with a low tackle rate in the final third of the pitch, and he doesn’t contribute so much to the offensive side of the game, ranking in the bottom 50% for all offensive metrics compared to other midfielders.
Arteta has experimented with Ødegaard in a deeper role at certain points this past season, so it could make sense to invest in a player who specialises defensively to provide backup for Rice.
Zubimendi is currently valued at around €50 million euros. Yet at 25 years old and with his best years ahead of him, he represents a good balance of quality to value that would reinforce Arsenal’s defensive midfield in the long run. Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested in him, though, which could drive up Sociedad’s price.
Forward Reinforcements: Multipurpose Wingers
Recent chatter suggests that the popular consensus on a top priority signing for Arsenal this summer is a true number 9 with elite finishing abilities. Players like Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen have been mentioned as potential targets, but in recent months Kai Havertz has excelled in the central attacker position with his improved finishing, aerial ability, and his relentless work rate off the ball. With Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard also options for this position, signing a superstar striker for north of €80 million does not appear to be the most economical decision. Besides, relying on one player to be the main goal scoring threat can be a double-edged sword.
It would be a more pertinent decision to sign a winger who can play on both sides of the attack as a backup to Martinelli and Saka. Though Trossard often occupies this role, he does not provide the same directness that Martinelli does. With Arsenal’s congested fixture list domestically and in Europe, a like-for-like player with a similar style to Martinelli would help ease that pressure. The same applies on the other wing for Bukayo Saka. The English star is the Arsenal player who has logged the most minutes since the beginning of Arteta’s tenure, and has displayed remarkable consistency and resilience to fatigue and injury. But he cannot be expected to play every minute of every game. Jesus has filled in on the right when needed, as has Reiss Nelson, though a player who can provide more threat on the wing in transitions would represent a wise investment.
Nico Williams
Back to the Basque country. At Bilbao, Nico Williams has been in great form this season, with 23 goal involvements in 35 games this season, attracting the attention of big clubs including Arsenal.
Ostensibly a right winger, Williams is also capable of playing on the left. Technically gifted and tricky to deal with, he loves to run at his markers, similar to Martinelli. He ranks in the top 2 percent of players for successful take-ons. He likes to run in behind, and is among the top 4 percent of players for receiving progressive passes. His 96 percentile score for shot-creating actions is to his effectiveness at getting the ball to dangerous positions, mostly via dribbles. And despite room for improvement in passing metrics, his 9 assists so far this season places him comfortably in the top 5 percent for assists.
Williams isn’t a massive goal threat, only scoring in the 42nd percentile for non-penalty xG. Saka and Martinelli are expected to chip in a large portion of the goals Arsenal score, as would Williams in their absence. Given that he is a right footed player, shifting him onto the left could improve his numbers if he is given more opportunities to cut inside and shoot on his stronger foot.
Williams is currently valued at around €50 million, a figure only likely to increase. Should the 21-year-old be interested in leaving his home in Bilbao and testing himself amongst Europe’s elite, he will not be short of suitors.
Pedro Neto
This may be familiar name amongst Arsenal fans who follow any transfer news closely. Pedro Neto has now spent 4 full seasons at Wolves and can now be considered a proven Premier League performer. With 14 goal involvements in 23 games this season, the Portuguese winger has been a long-term target for the Gunner.
Blessed with lightning pace, Neto terrifies opponents with his speed and directness. Registering 6 assists in his first 8 games of the season, there’s no player that epitomises verticality as much as Neto.
Neto ranks in the top 20 percent of forwards for progressive passes received, successful take-ons and progressive carries, more evidence of his verticality and his ability to turn defence into attack in seconds. He’s also among the top 10 percent of players for assists and expected assists this season. Whilst not a prolific goal scorer, his game-breaking pace would provide ample competition for Martinelli and Saka on both wings. With Arsenal increasingly facing teams playing low-blocks, being able to play fast on the counter and catch opponents out of position is extremely important.
The one big caveat to any attempt to sign the 24-year-old is his concerning injury record — Neto has only played 134 games in nearly 5 years at Wolves.
With a fee likely to be north of €80 million — although with his injury record that has now been revised to around €60 million — signing Neto represents a risk. Footballing ability is irrelevant if you’re never fit enough to be on the pitch.
Takefusa Kubo
On more shout from Real Sociedad: Takefusa Kubo. The Japanese international was at one point a wonderkid at both Barcelona and Real Madrid, falling off the map in the past few years but recently finding form again.
Kubo’s metrics paint an impressive picture. He ranks in the top 10 percent of forwards for shot-creating actions. His 76th percentile score for goals scored compared to his 42nd percentile score for non-penalty xG suggests a player who plays with high confidence and can outscore what would be expected from the positions he is shooting from. On the other hand, Kubo ranks in the 93rd percentile for expected assisted goals but only in the 69th percentile for assists, which suggests that his teammates are struggling to score the chances he creates.
Kubo’s dribbling ability also stands out. The young forward is among the top 3% of players for progressive carries and the top 13 percent for successful take-ons, reflective of his natural ability to glide past opponents in tight spaces before getting a shot away. Finally, he does not shy away from the defensive side of the game, ranking in the top 50 percent for tackles, interceptions and blocks. Considering the emphasis Arteta puts on out of possession work, a forward who contributes to regaining the ball could be prioritized this summer.
With the ability to play on both the right and the left flanks, and currently having an estimated transfer value of €60 million, Kubo seems like a no-brainer signing.
Conclusion
There is a caveat: Arsenal must remain compliant with Financial Fair Play rules, which could limit their spending power in the summer. There may also need to be outgoings before any signings can be made, which could shift the club’s priorities. Arsenal have once again made big strides this season, by taking the title race to the last day, as well as an impressive run in their Champions League return, and proved that their excellent campaign last season was not a one-off. The next step in their evolution is to improve the quality of their depth, in order to fight on multiple fronts for the top European and domestic trophies.
