Managing Arsenal as Mikel Arteta signs £180m attacking duo and three stars leave | Football | Sport
Despite the pain, Mikel Arteta spoke immediately about bouncing back next season, and it’s expected that the Arsenal board will support the Spanish coach in the transfer market. Ahead of what promises to be a hectic summer window, Express Sport have stepped into the shoes of Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta to explain what they should do next.
£180m attacking duo signed to bolster forward line
It felt like the biggest issue for Arsenal in Budapest was not having enough in attack. While PSG were able to call upon Goncalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola, the Gunners’ options off the bench included Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli. To address this, Arsenal have to spend big on forwards, with Julian Alvarez and Rafael Leao two potential options. It won’t come cheap for the north Londoners, given Atletico Madrid values Alvarez at £130million, while AC Milan are said to want £50 for Leao. But that’s the sort of money that needs to be spent in order to consistently compete for the big prizes.
Three players let go as reshuffle takes place
To make room for those arrivals, Arsenal would need to wave goodbye to some of their current attacking options. Martinelli hasn’t been able to nail down a regular spot in the side and doesn’t provide nearly enough in the way of goals or assists when he does come on. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus’ time at the club looks as if it could be coming to an end, with a return to Brazil having been mooted. Elsewhere, Arsenal could cash in on academy product Ethan Nwaneri to help boost their coffers ahead of what could prove an expensive summer.
Strip Martin Odegaard of captaincy with Declan Rice appointed
The final change doesn’t need to involve any players coming or going, and instead can be achieved internally. It’s time for Declan Rice to assume the captaincy and become the face of this new era for Arsenal. Martin Odegaard doesn’t scream leader or legend, while Rice has all the minerals to be an iconic figure for the 14-time English champions.
