Long-serving Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger finally stepped down from his position as the man in charge of the club, and a number of names have been linked to the position to take over from the Frenchman. After a period of fan apathy and dodgy away form on 2018, Wenger shocked the football world by announcing that this season would be his last as Arsenal manager. Arsenal could look to the France Ligue 1 to get new players.
Former Arsenal captain, Mikel Arteta is the frontrunner to take the job as the club feel that as a former Arsenal player, coupled with the fact that he has spent 2 years learning the ropes under Pep Guardiola, he will be the perfect replacement for Wenger. While the dugout change is welcome, Arsenal need a number of new players. Here are 3 of the best that the club can target.
Jean-Michel Seri
Frenchman, Jean-Michel Seri is one of Europe’s best midfielders and has spoken of his desire to leave OGC Nice and test himself in the Premier League. The central midfielder is one player Arsenal is crying out for: an all-round midfielder that can stop opposition play and also offer something going forward.
The current Arsenal midfield is bereft of physicality and agility, and Seri would help add steel to the middle of the park. He will offer what Kante is doing at Chelsea and what Naby Keita is expected to do at Liverpool when he makes his move to Liverpool in the summer.
Jack Butland
One of the biggest factors that affected Arsenal this outgoing season was that the defence was underwhelming. In the goalkeeping department, Arsenal are crying out for a younger, more athletic individual that can coordinate members of his defence.
Petr Cech and David Ospina don’t seem like the standard expected of a goalkeeper that can form the bedrock of a title winning team. Butland, despite his relegation with Stoke made the most saves of any Premier League shotstopper last season. Butland will be England’s number 1 at the World Cup, and Arsenal would be wise to make a move for the goalkeeper.
Wilfried Zaha
Ivorian international, Wilfried Zaha is one of the best players in the Premier League and is ripe and mature to make the move to a bigger club. He was signed by Manchester United some years back but struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford. At 25, he has improved and is now showing signs of improving maturity.
After losing Alexis Sanchez in January to Manchester United, Zaha looks like the next best thing that can replace the Chilean. Zaha had done well at Crystal Palace, but his talents should be on display at a much bigger club.
Arsenal need a summer of smart transfer business to go with the appointment of a new manager. These 3 players can collaborate with other players at the club to herald a new era at the North London side.