As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Chalobah? Gusto? Top 5 players Arsenal should sign to cement title push

Arsenal's activities in the current transfer window have been rewarded with a perfect start to the 2022/23 premier league campaign. Scoring nine times and keeping two clean sheets, Mikel Arteta may have secured the most exciting squad in the premier league.

The introduction of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner, Marquinhos, and the return of Williams Saliba have strengthened the London outfit, and they have shown brilliance so far.

However, with only days remaining before the transfer window closes, here are five players Arsenal FC can still sign to solidify their chances of competing for the Premier League title this term.


Malo Gusto

Malo Gusto has grown to become one of the best young right-backs in France.

His development through the youth ranks attracted Lyon to sign him from Bourgoin-Jallieu. At age 18, Gusto became the youngest defender to start a Ligue 1 game for Lyon since Samuel Umtiti in 2012.

Gusto's abilities in terms of alertness, pace, technicality, strength, and attacking proficiency fit into Arteta's philosophy at Arsenal. Arteta's affection for young skillful players also gives him an edge at Arsenal.

With the occasional staging of three center halves, Gusto could flourish at Arsenal, as he will have the liberty to enter into the opposition's final third and create goal-scoring opportunities.

The young right-back will also come in to replace Ben White, who currently plays out of position, and will avail Arteta with squad rotating options.




Youri Tielemans

Rumors have it that Arsenal has made enquiries into the transfer of the Premier League-proven Belgian midfielder, Youri Tielemans.

Youri Tielemans has a contract with Leicester City until June 2023 and seeks to move to a bigger club to contest for silverware. However, Tielemans' aspirations forced Brendan Rogers to sideline the midfielder from Leicester's games.

With a hectic schedule approaching, Tielemans is on Arsenal's radar to improve the Gunners' midfield.

In the 2021/22 campaign, only Tottenham's Pierre-Emile Højbjerg had more touches and passes than Tielemans in the Premier League.

His talent, tenacity, and tactical understanding attracted Mikel Arteta, who fancies the Belgian's skill set. His long-range shooting and knack for goals are qualities that spurred Arteta to give the green light for his purchase.

Arsenal will sign the 25-year-old to complement Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in central midfield.




Pedro Neto

With the imminent departure of Nicolas Pepe, the Gunners will look to sign competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Pedro Neto is on Arsenal's transfer list, and he currently plays for Wolves.

Neto has proven to be a versatile player, a quality Arteta cherishes. He can play as a left-winger, right-winger, attacking midfielder, and a wing-back.

Moreover, with the participation of Arsenal in many tournaments, signing Neto undoubtedly avails Arteta the opportunity to rotate his squad.

Pedro Neto has a contract running with Wolves until June 2027. He will only be released if Arsenal makes a mouth-watering offer of around £50 million. Although wary of the price tag, It is reported by top transfer journalists that Arsenal is prepared to offer as much as £35 million for the Portuguese winger.



Cody Gakpo

With Arsenal's interest in young players who can be at the club long-term, Cody Gakpo will be a significant addition.

Since the start of his Arsenal managerial career, Mikel Arteta has mainly deployed youngsters in his squad. His decision to use young players more is because of his high-intensity of play, the ability to regain possession, and to keep opponents on their toes.

In the previous season, Gakpo found the back of the net 16 times and provided 15 assists. His goal contributions helped PSV finish two points behind the league champions, Ajax.

Gakpo can fit in as a winger or striker or play behind a striker. Signing the PSV youngster will help bolster Arsenal's depth moving into the new season.



Trevoh Chalobah

London rivals, Chelsea FC, intend to complete the transfer of Wesley Fofana from Leicester City. With the transfer imminent, this might see the permanent or loan departure for Trevoh Chalobah.

Trevoh Chalobah has experienced a difficult run under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, and the England international will seek to leave for game time.

Although only a loan move is feasible for the young center-back to Arsenal, he will still be a vital signing to bolster the defensive line.



Video of the day:

Phillip Ekuwem
About the author

Phillip Ekuwem

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free