Arsenal have been controlled and measured in this summer’s transfer window with two new signings joining Mikel Arteta’s squad.
After coming so close to the Premier League title last season, the Gunners did not need to go and splash the cash on a handful of new signings.
They missed out due to tiny margins and they have used this summer to patch over the holes in Mikel Arteta‘s squad.
The most glaring weakness was at left-back but the £42million arrival of Riccardo Calafiori now means Arsenal have perhaps the most formidable – and physical – backline in the Premier League.
David Raya is the only other permanent arrival at The Emirates after Arsenal triggered the £27million buy option after his loan stint.
There is still time for Arsenal to add to their squad before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month, but they are set to start their Premier League season with just two new signings completed.
Arsenal star will be like a new signing this season
It may have been a quiet window so far for Arsenal, but they are also set to be bolstered by players returning from injury.
In particular, Jurrien Timber is set to return to first-team action after missing the majority of last season following a serious knee injury sustained on his debut.
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The 23-year-old arrived in North London in a £38million deal and was a standout performer in last summer’s pre-season preparations.
Arteta provided a positive injury update on Timber ahead of their Premier League opener, although the Dutchman didn’t take part in their pre-season games so is still short of fitness.
The Spaniard is a big admirer of the Dutch defender and hailed him as a “leader” despite his lack of game time.
Via BBC Sport, former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said “As well as bringing in Calafiori, having Jurrien Timber back from long-term injury is like another new signing as well.”
Robinson still predicted that Manchester City will win the Premier League this season, but added “Even if Arsenal don’t win it this season, they look like they are going to be strong for years to come.”
Jurrien Timber at Arsenal next season
Arteta deserves a lot of praise for the work he has done at Arsenal, but perhaps more than anything he deserves credit for the improvement in defence.
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The Gunners were seen as a side with a soft underbelly before Arteta’s arrival, but he has transformed the North Londoners into the best defensive unit in the league.
They already had the best defensive record last season with only 29 goals conceded in the league. Now with Calafiori and Timber in the mix they will only get better.
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