From Nicolas Pepe to David Luiz: Grading Arsenal’s transfer window
By Kian Long
Kieran Tierney: B-
Kieran Tierney became the world’s most expensive Scotsman in history when he joined from Celtic on deadline day. Arsenal fans will hope that he justifies the title but I’m almost certain he will. I mean, he’s no Andrew Robertson but he certainly knows how to make the fullback position his own.
Tierney is a versatile defender who can either play on the flank or in the middle (preferably as part of a back three). This malleability makes him perfectly-suited to Arsenal since they have their fair share of defensive injuries.
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When he is given license as a fullback, he will push forward. He has a good eye for a cross and he is quick with the ball at his feet too. Also, with Celtic in the Champions League, he has shown many great contests with European wingers.
It’s this type of work rate which Arsenal have been desiring for some time. With Tierney on the left and Hector Bellerin on the right, the Gunners are sorted in the fullback position for many years to come, therefore he was a worthy investment.
Nicolas Pepe: A
Yes, I did save the best until last. Nicolas Pepe is Arsenal’s most expensive player ever and he warrants that title. There is no way I can fault the Ivorian winger. He is a complete product and a player that is only going to bring success to Arsenal.
Last season with Lille, he tallied a total of 22 goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1. Hitting double figures in both areas is something which Arsenal have not seen since Alexis Sanchez left the club.
Pepe is a creative winger who likes to cut inside as and when he pleases. His service from out wide is going to benefit Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who flourished at Dortmund when he had the assistance of a playmaker out wide.
The Gunners were deprived of wingers before Pepe joined, therefore breaking the bank to sign him, even with instalments, will prove to be justified. In my opinion, he is the signing of the summer as far as the Premier League is concerned. Watch this space.
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How would you rate Arsenal’s transfer window in comparison to the rest of the top six?