Mikel Arteta is really setting Arsenal up for the future.
When Mikel Arteta was unveiled as Arsenal manager, he knew and was very vocal about the position being a marathon and not a sprint. This is where he differs from Emery since the former manager tended to panic and try to improve in the short-term, rather than the long-term.
While there is still no real time frame on Mikel Arteta’s philosophy, it’s clear as daylight to see. He is putting a lot of faith into the younger players, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson all getting regular playing time in the Premier League and FA Cup.
It’s thought that now he could look to add to his impressive calibre of young players with the signing of Justin Kluivert, who has been previously linked with the Gunners in the past. According to a new report from Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal are still hopeful of bringing the Roma winger to the Emirates Stadium.
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Of course, it’s a possibility that Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be of interest the other way, so Arsenal could always use him as part of a swap deal. If this is the case, though, then Stan Kroenke will still need to put his hand in his pocket as Kluivert is undeniably more valuable.
Perhaps the key reason why Arsenal remain adamant to sign Kluivert is his ability to play in a multitude of positions. This is one of the factors that makes Bukayo Saka stand out in the Arsenal XI, of course. Kluivert has played on the right, left and even as a centre forward this season.
Given the uncertainty of the Arsenal frontline currently, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s contract situation, this is certainly an avenue for Arteta to explore. Of course, the main priority should be to keep ahold of Aubameyang but if he is sold this summer, it’s nice to have the cushion of Kluivert.
Do you think that Arsenal will sign Justin Kluivert this summer?