Predicting a team’s transfer activity is always difficult. At Arsenal, this summer it feels particularly difficult. That’s largely because the head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, left the club in February, and it’s consequently difficult to decipher exactly what their transfer strategy might look like.
However, we do know this is a squad that will need strengthening, regardless of how the rest of the season plays out. Perhaps the club will qualify for the Champions League, in which case they’ll need new recruits to cope with the added strain of elite competition. Alternatively, if they miss out, it will be just as important that they strengthen to avoid falling behind England’s best teams.
Arsenal already know they’ll lose some high profile players this summer. Aaron Ramsey is leaving for Juventus on a free transfer, and Danny Welbeck also appears certain to go. On top of that, Petr Cech has announced his retirement.
In this piece, we’ve limited the targets to three players that should be considered an absolute priority. There are other areas of the squad that could warrant attention but are perhaps less urgent. Cech’s departure could be offset by promoting Emi Martinez, for example, while the need for a new left-back has arguably been assuaged by the improvement in Sead Kolasinac.
Target 1: Ibrahima Konate
The Bundesliga has proved a happy hunting ground for Arsenal in recent years. Mislintat’s departure may spell an end to that, but they should consider returning there to sign a new centre-half.
RB Leipzig are blessed with two outstanding young defenders: Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate. The pair are 20 and 19 respectively. Remarkably, they have conceded just 20 league goals this season—the best record in the entire Bundesliga. For two such young centre-backs, it’s an outstanding record.
In truth, either would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal. Konate is the less experienced and well-known of the pair, so might come at a more affordable price. He’s also the taller of the two. Arsenal could do with improving the physical profile of the team, and he would certainly help in that respect. He’s also a right-sided centre-half, so could be a potential long-term partner for Rob Holding, who looks more comfortable on the left.
Target 2: Christopher Nkunku
Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Christopher Nkunku in January. Ultimately, they could not come to terms with Paris Saint-Germain for their versatile young midfielder.
However, this summer he will have just one year remaining on his contract. Arsenal will feel they are in a good position to negotiate a better deal with the French outfit.
Nkunku, who played under Unai Emery at PSG, has been a fringe player for the French champions this season. 11 Ligue 1 starts is unlikely to be enough to convince him to commit his future to the club where he was reared.
In Paris, Nkunku has been used as a utility player. This season alone, he has appeared at right-back, right-wing back, central midfield and right-wing. His adaptability would doubtless make him a useful asset. However, Arsenal may have a clearer plan in place for Nkunku’s development.
Ramsey’s departure will leave a significant hole in the squad—especially now that he has been successfully integrated into Emery’s starting XI. To replace him, Arsenal need a new number eight: someone with the energy to be effective at both ends of the field. It would also be handy if they were capable of playing as an aggressive, pressing number 10. Nkunku has the physical capacity and tactical discipline to play both those roles. At 21, he has a high ceiling and could be another promising and youthful addition to the squad.
Target 3: Nicolas Pepe
Nkunku’s contractual situation means Arsenal might be able to get him on the cheap, but they would have to spend big to land this third potential target. Nicolas Pepe has been one of the breakout stars of the season, after a fantastic season with Lille that has helped them to second place in Ligue 1.
Pepe’s record is outstanding. Playing off the right flank, he has mustered 18 goals and nine assists in 30 league appearances. For all their attacking options, Arsenal really need a player with Pepe’s skill-set. He’s a left-footed attacker who offers a threat in-behind in wide areas.
Pepe would, in some respects, be a replacement for Welbeck. He could operate on the wings or potentially through the middle. He’d also bring a different dynamic to the squad. The January pursuits of Ivan Perisic and Yannick Carrasco suggests Emery would like a goalscoring wide forward. Pepe is younger, and a far sounder investment.
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Bayern Munich and Arsenal remain interested in Nicolas Pépé [Sport Bild]
This is a rumour of old that had resurfaced once again, remains to be seen if Arsenal will be able to a fund a move for him this summer.
One thing's for sure – he would be perfect here pic.twitter.com/uUVbFVTquo
— afcSource™ (@afcSource) April 3, 2019
Competition for Pepe’s signature is expected to be fierce, but Arsenal have London in their favour. If they show Pepe he would be an integral part of their plans, there’s every chance the Ivorian would look to follow in the footsteps of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue by joining the Gunners.
If Arsenal moved for these three players, they would be continuing the policy Mislintat instigated of looking to sign younger players with good resale value.
Interestingly, all three are also native French-speakers. They could add to the growing francophone group at the heart of the current Arsenal squad. It’s clear that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are very influential figures at the club right now, and Matteo Guendouzi has swiftly established himself as part of that central group. A core of Frenchmen led Arsenal to glory under Arsene Wenger—perhaps they could yet do the same under Emery.
