1. Manuel Akanji
I must state, that the order of these options is not particular. Mainly my preference if anything since I am a big fan of Manuel Akanji. Not only for his work on the field, but his work off the field. He is capable of achieving great things given his “never say never” mindset and the hours he puts in on the training pitch.
That said, he will be using Borussia Dortmund as a step-ladder club. His dreams and aspirations will be elsewhere, perhaps in the Premier League. If so, then Arsenal should do all they can to convince him to join, although he will have to have a lot of faith in Arteta’s project, which will require a time frame (the only thing that’s missing currently, I feel).
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Akanji is 24 years old, so he is the right age for a move like this. The Switzerland international would also get on well with Granit Xhaka and this could prove to be a pivotal link between the defence and midfield since the trust which is missing at this moment in time will be there.
The good news for Arsenal, too, is that Akanji would be a cheap option. According to a report from Express, his value seems to be around £22m which even given the climate of the transfer market, is doable from Arsenal’s perspective. It just involves Stan Kroenke putting his money where his mouth is.
Obviously, the ideal signing remains to be Dayot Upamecano, however, as time progresses this seems more and more unlikely. I’m starting to accept that he will sign a new deal at Leipzig, but if he doesn’t, then Arsenal should be all over it.
Who do you think Arsenal will sign in the transfer window?