Dharmesh Sheth says Arsenal could yet add to their midfield this summer and bring in a right-sided attacking player following the arrivals of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
After splashing big on the above players, including Mikel Arteta being backed to the point that Arsenal broke their club-record transfer on Declan Rice, it seems as though there needs to be a few outgoings before more new faces come in.
Sky reporter Sheth referenced the club’s past interest in former Leeds United star Raphinha and how they are also looking at Aston Villa target Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, as he told Sky Sports.
It’s pretty clear that cover for thriving star Bukayo Saka needs to be brought in. But how the club goes about this all will be interesting.
Given that a first-team star doesn’t need to come in, then big-money doesn’t need to be splashed.
But that might not be the case with the midfield because, after Granit Xhaka left, Sheth also spoke about Thomas Partey’s future, which could see, at least, two more deals being done by the Premier League title chasers.
“I have been told to keep an eye on the attacking side of the pitch and particularly on the right side,” said Sheth. “If you remember a couple of summers ago (last summer), they tried to sign Raphinha.
“They were also interested in Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, who I know Aston Villa have made a bid for and had a bid rejected for. That might be an area, just to keep an eye on.
“It would require now a few departures and a few money to be recouped because after Havertz, Rice and Timber. They have gone through £200 million in this transfer window already.
“And also keep an eye on another midfielder because Thomas Partey is 30. He has two-years left on his contract and there is a lot of interest in Thomas Partey. If Arsenal were to receive an offer that maybe they thought ‘we can’t refuse this’ and Partey was open to leaving the club, then I think Arsenal might look in that position as well.”
Saka needs cover
Arteta tried to warm up his star man on the right last season by playing him in midweek European games, even if he didn’t need to.
This has prepared him for Champions League nights next season and how he will need to play most games for the club, if they are to be successful.
Therefore, serious cover needs to be brought in to help out the England star because, whilst there is depth out on the left, there isn’t much down his side.
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