Arsenal legend Alan Smith has given his take on what Mikel Arteta needs to do in this summer’s transfer window.
It looks set to be an important summer for the Gunners boss, who has impressed since taking over at the Emirates Stadium back in December.
Performances have improved under the former midfielder, while triumph in the FA Cup at Wembley ensured another season of European football despite finishing eighth in the Premier League table.
There is plenty for Arteta to do in the transfer window though, with plenty of areas in his squad needing improvements if they’re to challenge for a top four place next season.
Writing in his column for Sky Sports, Smith identified which areas Arteta needs to focus on, and gave his thoughts on some of the players linked to the Gunners.
“With a few quid to spend, another central defender must be on the cards,” Smith said.
“This area, in fact, is the most interesting of all. Will William Saliba, for instance, be given an early chance after finally coming over from St Etienne? Saliba, by all accounts, has tremendous potential as a classy defender in the Virgil van Dijk mould.
“Plenty of questions there, as there are in midfield where the future of Dani Ceballos looks far from certain.
“I am sure Arteta would love to keep this clever ball player with an excellent work ethic who forged a useful understanding with Granit Xhaka. Real Madrid, of course, might have other ideas.
“Midfield would further benefit if Matteo Guendouzi can be used in a deal to recruit someone like Thomas Partey, the much-admired lynchpin from Atletico Madrid.
“As for Mesut Ozil, the tiresome saga rolls on. In an interview this week, the German insisted he is staying at Arsenal, even though he obviously does not feature in Arteta's plans. This is a funny one.
“Ozil is well within his rights to see out a four-year contract the club were happy enough to give. But from a purely football aspect, why would you do that if you are not going to play?”
Smith added: “For Arteta meanwhile, there is no time to waste. If the club can re-sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, everyone gets a lift in an environment that must feel optimistic anyway.
“After that, it's about trying to improve the quality with the right signings while continuing to work on those oh-so-important playing principles with and without the ball.
“This is no quick fix. But my old club is finally heading in the right direction, thanks to the vision of the man in charge.”
