Analysing Arsenal’s summer transfer business

The Gunners had a memorable and productive transfer period. We analyse Unai Emery’s activity in the market.

Arsenal appointed new manager Unai Emery for this season. The Gunners made a first managerial change in over decade. Arsene Wenger’s departure was also marked by a major squad overhaul that included some quality players getting into the Arsenal team. At the same time, dead weight was cleared out, while a few players are still likely to leave until the 31^st of August.

The Gunners were one of the busiest Premier League sides this summer. They were extremely busy and smart with their deals that were struck and racked up promptly. During the procedures of signing the players, their efficiency and idea about the player’s compatibility were alpha. The Emirates Stadium outfit made as many as five signings, and these five were not unimportant players, but those who are quite certain to get a starting berth fixed soon.

Arsenal’s squad additions included additions in every department of the field apart from the attack. In all honesty, there was no need to add an attacker keeping in mind the world-class striking pair of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang that they have signed in the past two transfer periods.

Looking at the goalkeeping unit, the 24 carat Germany keeper Bernd Leno was signed. The Gunners managed to sign him for just a fee of £22.5 million. They also tied the 26-year-old down to a five-year contract. This has meant that Petr Cech is now at second choice in high probability. Arsenal will get rid of David Ospina’s service which is very likely. Besiktas currently have the Colombian on their radar and personal terms have been agreed. The Turkish club’s president Fikret Orman is present in London to wrap up an agreement with Arsenal. The Gunners want to sell the 29-year-old goalie permanently while Besiktas only want a loan move. The disagreement is soon set to come to a conclusion, thereby guaranteeing Ospina’s exit.

In the defensive subsection, Arsenal managed to recruit Swiss veteran Stephan Lichtsteiner and Greek centre back Sokratis Papastathopoulos. The former Borussia Dortmund defender is 30 but still has a few years ahead of him. Getting him for just £17 million is fantastic business from Stan Kroenke. Stephan Lichtsteiner, 34, signed for Arsenal as a free agent in the summer. He will be an irregular player but for sure keep toe to toe with Hector Bellerin. Per Mertesacker departed the club and retired after a memorable career.

To strengthen his midfield, Unai Emery signed Lucas Torreira of Uruguay and Mateo Guendouzi from French club Lorient. The former was signed from Sampdoria after a dominant display in the centre of the park for his nation during the FIFA World Cup. The 22-year-old signed for an undisclosed fee, but sources close to the club have reported it to be £26.4 million. Keeping in mind the Uruguayan’s flare and influence from midfield, he could cement his place very quickly and prove to be a bargain. Mateo Guendouzi was signed for £7 million.

The 19-year-old did feature for Arsenal in their friendlies, but doubts remain whether he will stay for the season or be loaned out. If he stays, he will be given his chances in the EFL Cup and Europa League. While nothing can be predicted about the Premier League and FA Cup, he might be given outings against minnows. Santi Cazorla was released by the club after his long-term injury. French prospect Jeff Reine-Adelaide returned to his home country’s league to play for Angers. His selling fee is reportedly £1.5 million. Aaron Ramsey was linked with a move away from Arsenal too, but the rumours have cooled and the Welshman could be set for a stay.

Arsenal showed absolute inactivity in the attacking division. However, that is understandable since they already have world-class strikers in Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Lucas Perez left the club after he was considered surplus to requirements by Unai Emery. The former A Coruna man joined West Ham for £5 million on deadline day. Forgotten first team player Chupa Akpom was also sold to PAOK of Greece.

Danny Welbeck is also rumoured to be departing the club, however, Emery could very likely include him in his plans for the season. While Premier League regularity could be questionable, Welbeck could start games in the EFL Cup and UEFA Europa League.

All in all it was a perfect transfer window for Arsenal. The Gunners made extremely thoughtful and judicious use of their funds and added quality players. At the same time, Unai Emery asked everyone who was not in his plans to find new clubs. The manager’s honesty could pay dividends considering that dead weight and frustrated players can spoil a team’s morale. The Gunners have a major trophy apart from the FA Cup to win after a series of disappointing seasons. A top four finish, despite being heavy contenders and a good run in the Europa League and the other two domestic seasons could be a fruitful first season for Unai Emery and a new-look Arsenal side.