It’s time for the standard Arseblog season preview put up, and like final yr we’ve obtained a few different Arseblog regulars to present us their ten cents.
All of those have been written independently of one another, so there’s no cross-contamination. So, that is what myself, Andrew Allen and Tim Stillman consider the squad – because it stands, absolutely conscious the switch window is open till August thirty first – and its readiness for the brand new season.
Beginning, as all the time, with:
ANDREW MANGAN
Whereas the arrival of David Raya could have some long-term implications for this place, signing the 27 yr outdated from Brentford offers Arsenal enviable depth and a few reassurance as we head into a protracted season. Accidents and suspensions for goalkeepers are comparatively uncommon in comparison with outfield gamers, however they’ll nonetheless occur.
Because it stands, Aaron Ramsdale is the primary alternative, and we all know from his feedback throughout the week he’s not ready to present it up and not using a actual combat. The truth that Raya has come on mortgage, at first anyway, could also be higher for the England man, however the relationship between the brand new keeper and coach Iñaki Caña could play a component because the season progresses.
I did harbour some issues about how we would fare if Matt Turner needed to play for any extended interval in a season, and people are allayed by having two keepers of such calibre. It’s going to be fascinating to see the way it performs out.
TIM STILLMAN
The pursuit of David Raya could possibly be opportunistic however I believe it’s way more possible that, after a summer time of competitors along with his Nationwide Workforce, Matt Turner has determined he would love common soccer elsewhere leaving Arsenal with a must recruit and Raya, a participant clearly admired by Arsenal for a while, seems to be obtainable (unexpectedly so).
Given Ramsdale has simply signed a brand new contract it looks like a shock transfer and I believe it’s inevitable that certainly one of these keepers shouldn’t be going to be glad for very lengthy. Emi Martinez was not joyful to be Bernd Leno’s again up, Leno was not content material to be Ramsdale’s again up and so forth. Nonetheless, placing that to at least one facet, for this season a minimum of, I doubt there’s a workforce within the Premier League that may boast this kind of depth in aim.
How Arteta would use two such comparable (each when it comes to skill and magnificence) goalkeepers can be fascinating. Studies steered Raya was very eager to maneuver to North London which makes me suppose he hasn’t come to play again up. There once more, I’m additionally very curious as to what the dialog with Ramsdale regarded like when he inked a brand new deal in Might. I doubt it was “by the best way, we’re changing you.”
That is such an intriguing growth in Arteta’s squad construct however, for this season a minimum of, Arsenal are extremely sturdy in aim.
ANDREW ALLEN
14 clear sheets put Aaron Ramsdale third in final season’s ‘race’ for the Golden Glove and he additionally picked up back-to-back ‘Save of the Month’ awards in April and Might after denying Liverpool’s Mo Salah and Bournemouth’s Dango Outtara in beautiful vogue.
Whereas he has been susceptible to the occasional lapse in focus, these moments of brilliance, underpinned by lengthy spells of consistency, and his commanding persona have seen him deservedly rewarded with a brand new long-term deal. All those that doubted him when he joined the membership have been proved unsuitable.
Ramsdale’s subsequent process is proving he can fend off the problem of mortgage arrival David Raya. Brentford’s Spain worldwide represents a giant improve on Matt Turner, particularly with regards to constructing play from the again, and he additionally has a long-standing relationship with keeper coach Inaki Cana.
Having two top-class goalkeepers on the books definitely is sensible for those who’re critical about competing on 4 fronts however it’ll be intriguing to see how the minutes get shared.
Loaning Raya, fairly than signing him completely for large cash, maybe eases a number of the rigidity over that call however you continue to sense Arteta faces a conundrum in Europe. Ramsdale can be champing on the bit to check himself towards Europe’s finest whereas Raya, in all chance, can be thirsty for any minutes he can get. Discovering a steadiness that doesn’t take a toll on their confidence or have an effect on the steadiness of the defence can be key.
Down the pecking order, it seems like Karl Hein will stick round to supply backup whereas Alex Runarsson and Arthur Okonkwo discover pastures new.
ANDREW MANGAN
I believe this may be probably the most full set of defenders I can bear in mind at Arsenal. The difficulty with right-back cowl has been solved by the signing of Jurrien Timber, even when he has performed on the left all through pre-season. The suitable-sided trio of William Saliba, Ben White and Timber are complemented on the opposite facet by Gabriel, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Then you’ve Takehiro Tomiyasu as a form of defensive Swiss Military knife, he can play in any place throughout the again 4.
If you take note of we nonetheless have Kieran Tierny and Rob Holding on the books on the time of writing, it’s as sturdy a defensive group as you would actually hope for. I believe the supervisor can be targetting defensive enchancment for the season forward, and with the group he has, in addition to two superb goalkeepers, it’s a practical goal.
TIM STILLMAN
Arsenal have successfully changed Rob Holding with Jurrien Timber, with Jakub Kiwior extra built-in. I think about these signings have accomplished for Tierney and Holding and general, it feels extra like an Arteta defence with a collection of Swiss Military Knives to select from. Whereas I’m snug with Arsenal’s defenders, I’m much less simple about Arsenal’s defending and that could be a workforce effort.
Arsenal play huge boy soccer now, there isn’t a extra “again three as a result of we will’t belief Mustafi / Kolasinac / Sokratis to cowl floor.” The defenders want to have the ability to defend massive areas. The acquisition of Declan Rice ought to present them a larger deal of safety but when there was a grievance in pre-season, it’s how simple groups have discovered it to reveal Arsenal in two passes.
That was additionally a difficulty on the finish of final season. A technique or one other, they should tighten up. Arsenal scored 88 objectives final season. You may win the league scoring 88 objectives. They conceded 43. You can not win the league with these numbers. However like I mentioned, I believe that’s extra a structural concern than one with the defenders individually. I actually just like the look of Jurrien Timber too, he seems like an Arteta defender in a lot the identical approach that Trossard seems like an Arteta attacker.
ANDREW ALLEN
I’m struggling to recall an Arsenal squad with a set of defenders as bodily imposing and versatile as these at the moment on the books.
In William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, we’ve got a centre-back pairing that may genuinely declare to be one of the best within the Premier League and I really imagine that had the previous stayed match, we’d have gained the league final season. Shut off the pitch and on it, the place they convey in French, they carry aggression within the deal with and quietness with the ball at their ft. Additionally they have room for enchancment. Neither is immune from the rashness of youth and each blotted their copy books with particular person errors final season.
Fortunately, we now have a number of choices to maintain them on their toes. The arrival of Jurrien Timber from Ajax coupled with Takehiro Tomiyasu’s restoration from knee surgical procedure, means there’s elite cowl throughout the backline. Ben White has proved equally adept at right-back as within the center and I’ve a suspicion Jakub Kiwior might take pleasure in a breakout season after a sluggish(ish) begin to life on the Emirates since his January transfer from Spezia.
Will we lean on Oleksandr Zinchenko as a lot as we did final season? He stays the grasp of the inverted full-back position however given his harm file, it appears silly to suppose we will depend on the Ukrainian week in, week out. Arteta is aware of that – therefore Timber’s arrival – however I additionally reckon we’ll see the build-up play develop new patterns to accommodate Declan Rice’s qualities.
That might, in idea, open up a window for Kieran Tierney to characteristic a bit extra however I nonetheless wouldn’t be stunned if he and Rob Holding depart earlier than the top of August. If anybody wants a Portuguese full-back, be happy to assist your self to Tavares and Cedric.
ANDREW MANGAN
The £100m addition of Declan Rice is the primary story about Arsenal’s midfield going into a brand new season, however it may be a while earlier than we see the best possible of him. Within the meantime, retention of expertise has been an element, with Thomas Partey set to proceed within the midfield anchor position, with Jorginho and Mo Elneny additionally choices. Though Kai Havertz began the Neighborhood Protect up entrance, he spent most of pre-season in midfield, and it does appear as if that’s the place Arteta views him within the long-term.
If you then add captain Martin Odegaard, along with his 15 objectives final season, in addition to Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira, the depth seems to be there for the season forward. Albert Sambi Lokonga will in all probability depart, but when he was surplus to necessities final season when the squad wasn’t as deep, there’s not a lot likelihood for him now.
The velocity at which Rice and Havertz mattress in can be vital, however signing two 24 yr outdated internationals signifies that course of, even when a bit difficult, shouldn’t be like ranging from zero.
TIM STILLMAN
Alongside goalkeeper, midfield is probably the most intriguing space this season. In Havertz and Rice, Arsenal have purchased two vital pillars of the midfield at appreciable expense. Arsenal have Rice, Partey, Jorginho and Elneny for one place, I doubt there’s a workforce in Europe with that form of depth in defensive midfield. Rice shouldn’t be a prepared made Arteta participant per se however he’s a world class performer and a fast learner.
He may not be capable of break traces along with his passing like Partey (but) however he can cowl much more floor for a lot longer durations of time. Havertz looks like an actual make or break signing. Xhaka was such a cornerstone of the Gunners engine room that there’s sure to be some adjustment with out him however I’d think about Havertz might higher Xhaka’s 9 objectives and 7 assists from that place this season.
Sometimes Arsenal lack peak and presence within the penalty space and Havertz adjustments that. But it surely’s a tweak and it could take some time to come back to fruition. Arteta has made the choice to reintegrate Smith Rowe and he spent most of pre-season taking part in as an inside at left or proper eight. Whereas Fabio Vieira performed solely in the suitable facet of the sphere throughout pre-season which seems like a agency determination has been made to not discipline him as a ‘left eight.’ Arsenal have larger optionality too as they’ll discipline Partey and Rice collectively.
Arsenal look very sturdy on paper on this space however I believe it would take a number of video games on grass to click on into gear.
ANDREW ALLEN
Judging by his workforce picks within the latter phases of pre-season, it seems as if Thomas Partey will begin the marketing campaign because the midfield anchor. The Ghanaian was very good for two-thirds of final season just for his type to fall off a cliff within the closing phases as his health waned. It’s clear that overusing him is an issue however within the opening months, the connection he has with Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes ought to convey calm and continuity whereas new boy Declan Rice beds in.
I think our £100 million signing will get his first Premier League minutes taking part in the left-eight position vacated by Granit Xhaka however will take over from Partey later in video games if we’re struggling to unlock defences and wish to throw on extra attacking choices like Kai Havertz and Emile Smith Rowe.
If we’re seeking to shut down a sport, having the ability to ship on Jorginho to double pivot with both Partey or Rice ought to assist us management the tempo with Arteta’s fabled “300,000 passes”. The Italy worldwide underlined his worth within the warmth of battle away at Newcastle final Might and it wouldn’t shock me if he will get extra alternatives like that.
Additional up the pitch, we’ve got an absolute famous person in Martin Odegaard. On the Arsecast this time final yr, I predicted he’d be our participant of the season. After scoring 15 objectives and making seven assists, the Norway worldwide dethroned Bukayo Saka to take that honour. And rightly so. Whether or not geeing up the group, urgent opponents or driving ahead with the ball at his ft, he has an exquisite skill to wrestle management of a sport – he’s our conductor. I’m wanting ahead to seeing how he builds a relationship with Rice and Havertz and what he can do within the Champions League, a contest he’s solely featured in thrice.
Clearly, it’s an enormous yr for Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira. There may be a number of soccer forward and they should show they’ll come off the bench and affect video games in a significant approach if they’re to face any likelihood of beginning video games. Each look match and raring to go judging by their performances this summer time.
ANDREW MANGAN
We’re blessed to have two of probably the most thrilling large forwards in Europe, within the form of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The previous produced 15 objectives and 11 assists final season, the latter 15 objectives and 6 assists – and they’re nonetheless a great distance from being at their peak. It’s excting to suppose the place they may go once more this time round.
Leandro Trossard has been a superb addition since his arrival from Brighton in January, and whenever you add gamers like Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, and Fabio Vieira to supply cowl, it feels fairly stable. Particularly when you think about Kai Havertz may play on the suitable hand facet.
The German is an choice up entrance as we’ve seen, and when Gabriel Jesus is match, he, Trossard and Nketiah are the choices, with Martinelli at a push. I do suppose there’s a query mark over Nketiah’s skill to contribute from the bench, he scores nearly all of his objectives when he begins, so his suitability for a back-up position is a dialogue level. With Flo Balogun set to depart, we gained’t get an opportunity to see if he might have been higher in that regard.
I’ve a sneaky feeling we would try to add one other ahead to the squad earlier than the top of the window, however proper now a lot is targeted on departures and we’ll should promote/mortgage a number of earlier than we will try this.
TIM STILLMAN
Since this time final yr Arsenal have added Leandro Trossard to this space, whereas Reiss Nelson’s position has elevated and he has a brand new contract in his pocket. Saka, Jesus and Martinelli nonetheless feels very very like the primary alternative entrance three with Trossard liberally sprinkled hither and thither like a favorite from the spice rack and I believe that’s a title difficult high quality entrance line.
The query is what lies beneath. I’m not certain Falorin Balogun has a lot of a future at Arsenal and Emile Smith Rowe appears to not be thought-about part of the ahead line, we’re banking considerably on Reiss Nelson persevering with his ascent. I believe Eddie Nketiah is an efficient striker however I’m to be satisfied that he’s an Arteta striker.
All in all, I believe that is an space the place Arsenal might use another participant, ideally somebody who can play throughout the frontline- possibly a participant who can function on each flanks leaving Trossard to cowl extra inside areas. Arteta needed to basically flog Saka and Martinelli final season and with Champions League soccer on the horizon, I believe I would love one other large participant to actually full the attacking carousel.
Saka goes to get injured someday and I really feel we might use a participant that may confidently tackle that proper wing position.
ANDREW ALLEN
Prematurely of final season, Mikel Arteta mentioned Arsenal wanted to hit 90-goals to have the ability to compete for the title. It appeared like a gargantuan leap from the 61 we hit in 2021/22 however due to an unimaginable collective effort, we jumped to a club-record Premier League tally of 88. Of these, simply over half (48) had been scored by gamers now listed as attackers by the membership. Not unhealthy, however there’s nonetheless room for enchancment.
Clearly, it’s a priority that Gabriel Jesus misses the beginning of the marketing campaign with a knee downside instantly associated to the surgical procedure he had in December. When he first got here into the workforce, the Brazilian’s mobility was a revelation in comparison with a few of his lumbering predecessors. Whereas he’s clearly a little bit of a streaky participant, we will deal with that given the opposite choices at our disposal.
Eddie Nketiah, fairly than Folarin Balogun, seems to be the more than likely candidate to exchange the Brazilian within the short-term though Kai Havertz and Leo Trossard, two very totally different gamers, are additionally able to taking part in as a quantity 9 or false equal. I would simply have coated the 2 of them within the midfield part, however that’s the fantastic thing about Arteta’s squad this yr, there’s versatility and fluidity in every single place you look. I anticipate Trossard will spend most of his time competing with Martinelli for the left wing spot in our common 4-1-2-3 formation but when the sport requires it, he’s one other who can drop deeper to play the ‘Xhaka’ position.
Arteta appeared impressed with Havertz’s efforts main the road towards Manchester Metropolis within the Neighborhood Protect. His ending could possibly be tidier – one thing Chelsea followers will attest to – however he was a keen runner and his maintain up play, aided by his gangly body, could possibly be helpful in engineering house for our large gamers to burst via the traces. He’s additionally nice within the air which is one thing our assault missed final season.
It’s laborious to not be enthusiastic about what Saka and Martinelli do subsequent. Each produced a marked enchancment of their key stats final season and have developed a swagger and ruthlessness that may win video games single–handedly. Managing them over a protracted season can be key; Saka, specifically, regarded shattered by April after a protracted marketing campaign that concerned a variety of worldwide soccer. Having had one foot out of the door, Reiss Nelson has been requested to supply cowl and Arteta can be hoping that religion is rewarded with a brand new degree of consistency. First, he wants to remain match.
Can we higher 88 objectives within the league? Probably. But when we tighten up on the again, we could not must.
ANDREW MANGAN
Final season, I declared myself pleased with the squad we had, albeit nonetheless open to a different addition or two. In the end, we had been discovered wanting in the direction of the top of the marketing campaign as a result of a scarcity of depth/high quality in a few positions. This time round, it looks like we’ve got made certain that gained’t be an element.
The title problem was a little bit of a shock, and final August I mentioned, “High 4 must be the goal, however not simply that. We’ve to acknowledge the likes of Man Metropolis and Liverpool are forward of us, however closing the hole ought to be a part of our goal this season too. If we try this, we’ll end roughly the place we would like.”
We did that. Now the problem is meet expectations and do it once more. Some pundits are already tipping us for the title, though I strongly imagine there’s a component of claiming that to allow them to have a pop if we don’t do it (GNev). However, it does present how far we’ve got come, so it’s as much as the supervisor and gamers to ship. The opposite problem, in fact, is the larger significance of European soccer this season, it’s important to take the Champions League group phases extra significantly than the Europa League, however then because of this we now have a giant squad.
My closing hope is that Arteta expands his horizons somewhat, he’s labored finest with small teams within the final two seasons, however the calls for of this new one imply he’s obtained to belief his gamers. Given they’re all mainly his purchases, it is going to be fascinating to see how that manifests itself between now and subsequent Might.
TIM STILLMAN
I believe Arsenal have constructed larger depth and flexibility within the squad this season. I don’t suppose they’ll begin fairly as assertively as they did final season (let’s face it, we had been on a 100 level tempo for about half the season, it will be extremely troublesome to match that this time round) however after two seasons of faltering in April, I’m hopeful that larger rotation and unpredictability will enable for a stronger end.
There are questions round how lengthy it’ll take the midfield to quiet down and what the goalkeeping place seems like. I additionally nonetheless really feel as if rotation and help for Saka stays a pinch level and I’d love another large participant to make it really feel extra rounded. My doubts round Nketiah aren’t extreme sufficient to think about it an pressing scenario and I don’t rule out that he may develop additional this season.
I believe Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are all going to be stronger than they had been final season so, in my thoughts, high 4 is the primary – if not principal – goal. However I believe Arsenal are as soon as once more outfitted to make a title problem. I can be to see how the tone of the protection of Arsenal adjustments subsequent season now expectations have risen, I anticipate each efficiency that’s lower than footballing perfection can be pulled aside externally and that’s one thing that gamers and the followers should adapt to.
Maintain your nerve individuals, we’re within the deep finish now however you don’t win something within the shallow finish.
ANDREW ALLEN
Arsenal has been reborn underneath Mikel Arteta. We’re a membership that others envy. A membership on an upwards trajectory. A membership that has gamers, workers and followers all engaged. That’s extremely highly effective coming into a brand new season and an actual trigger for optimism.
A few years in the past, I used to be questioning if we’d ever get again into the Champions League, now I take a look at our squad and supervisor and reckon we might have a really first rate crack at attempting to win it. For the file, I’m not anticipating us to! I see our presence in that competitors as a little bit of a free hit as a result of it’ll take time for our younger squad and supervisor to develop extra Euro-savvy.
For the primary time in ages, we come into a brand new season genuinely anticipating to problem for the Premier League title. Ending the 20-year drought must be our focus. Arteta is aware of that. He’s additionally conscious we’ll must be near-perfect to do it. That clearly brings stress, particularly as we’re not the plucky upstarts anymore. We’ll have a mark on our again and stronger ‘Large Six’ rivals to deal with so if there are bumps within the street, which there are sure to be, we’ve got to have the ability to shortly compartmentalise any disappointments.
The squad is sweet sufficient to win the league. If we handle it correctly (squad rotation can be key) and get fortunate on the harm entrance then possibly, simply possibly, we’ll keep the course. Who is aware of, possibly there can be a cup success alongside the best way too. I’m buzzing to get again to the Emirates to expertise all of it.
