06 Jun 2021 19:59:34
Now that the season has finished and some time has passed, it's time to start thinking about the next. I'll have a look at the current squad and try to pick out a few positions i think we could strengthen on. This is made more difficult by the fact that some players are going to leave and i don't obviously know who those players are, but based on reports and the insight given by the ed's maybe i can anticipate at least most of the departures.

Starting at goalkeeper and that's already a very difficult position to call because a lot depends on Leno staying or going. I'd be happy for him to stay because he fits so well the style Arteta wants us to play and generally he has been a solid keeper. In terms of back up something has to be done and i'd expect either an academy player (Okonkwo? ) to step up or someone cheap like Ryan to be signed.

At right back Bellerin will probably go and Cedric will be a back up. Chambers stepped up towards the end of last season and i (like some other members of this forum) rather liked the way he handled the position. Thanks to him we don't have to prioritise a right back but at the same time i wouldn't be overly surprised to see one being signed this summer.

At left back Tierney obviously will remain first choice and i believe ed002 said Joel Lopez could be ready to step up in order to play back up. Haven't seen the kid play but i'm all for giving chances for our academy youngsters!

At center back we have a good pool of players to select from. I think Holding was in the top 3 last season and Gabriel showed promise even though at some point during the season his form seemed to sort of drop a bit. Saliba is a huge talent and next season he has to get into the team. My worry is that he and Holding are both right footed and so far Arteta has been very stubborn about playing left footed cb on the left. Saliba and Holding are in my opinion the best cb's we have and i'd love to see them starting together. Gabriel would be great rotational option and Mari and Chambers would offer enough back up. Sadly i don't think there's a place for Mavropanos. I think he's a very talented player but i feel like Arteta doesn't rate him enough to include him.

In midfield i expect to see most of the changes. Ceballos has already gone and i'm almost certain Torreira and Guendouzi will follow him. I'd also be happy to see Xhaka and Elneny leave but we may price Xhaka too highly and i suspect Arteta will be happy to keep Elneny as back up. I'd have Maitland-Niles get his chance in midfield (as back up) over those two, even though i'm not particularly excited about him either. Partey is the only non-attacking midfielder from last season's squad i want to keep and the number one priority of the summer is in my opinion finding him a partner. I feel like Partey would be better if he could move forward a bit more as he often looks to play forward passes and those passes could be more dangerous in the attacking third. I think he would be complimented by a dm who in contrast keeps the play simple. So in essence a better version of Elneny what i want.

In attacking midfield i'd be happy to see Smith Rowe continue starting. His injury record is a bit worrying though and as a young player he shouldn't be put under too much pressure. And that's where i think Joe Willock could step in. I'm not sure if Willock fits Arteta's style that well but after his loan i'd at least like to see him being given a chance. He reminds me of Ramsey with the way he arrives into the box to score goals and perhaps with good confidence he could take his recent scoring form into the next season as well.

On the right wing i think Pepe will be the starter. I still have some reservations but he finished the season strongly and perhaps he will be a key player next season. I'd expect Nelson to go as he has been nowhere near playing first team football for ages and perhaps Willian will continue as back up.

On the left Saka has to start and i'd have Auba as his back up as that's where he has played his best football for us. I guess this is controversial but i don't remember Auba simply doesn't do it for me as striker and he's not better than Saka on the left. He's much better when he doesn't have to play with his back towards the goal as that's what Arteta seems to want his strikers to do.

Finally in terms of strikers i feel like Lacazette will leave and that to me is a bit of a shame as i quite liked him despite his scoring record being a bit modest. I think his overall play is very good but he and Arteta just don't seem to be that good of a match for some reason. I wouldn't mind Nketiah to leave as well so that leaves us with Martinelli and Balogun as strikers. A bit of an inexperienced duo so i'd like to see a striker being signed. Maybe someone experienced with a proven record would complement the youngsters well. For a while i toyed with the idea of Giroud returning but then he signed a new deal with Chelsea. Another player who crossed my mind was Jimenez but he hasn't played for a long time and as he has to play with a helmet from now on i sort of fear it could affect his game. I remember Cech saying once it narrowed his field of view so i wonder if it could be detrimental for Jimenez.

Overall two positions i think we should prioritise are defensive midfield and striker. But like i said at the beginning a lot will depend on players leaving. I'll be watching the summer transfer window with great interest. Hopefully we will be able to sign some talented players to improve the squad and i wouldn't mind if this time we managed to do that without offending the other clubs we are negotiating with!

As a side note i'm not disappointed by Buendia being signed by Villa. Buendia is a talented player but as you now know AM is not a priority for me. We do seem to be keen on adding one though so hopefully it won't be to the detriment of Smith Rowe and Willock!

{Ed014's Note - nice post Iceman. 👍🏼


1.) 06 Jun 2021
06 Jun 2021 20:38:57
Lukaku's bossing it tonight Iceman.


2.) 06 Jun 2021
06 Jun 2021 22:09:06
Very good analysis Iceman.

I would discount Leno though I think slows the game down by not transitioning the ball quick enough and very confident on catching aerial balls. I really do think we need a striker and would keep Lacazette over Auba, but a pity their contract situation is the wrong round.

I believe Arteta has an emphasis on getting goals from all positions including the defenders.

Also to note, we could be be without Gabriel and Martinelli for the first couple of the new season due to the Olympics especially if Brazil progresses to the finals.


3.) 06 Jun 2021
06 Jun 2021 22:37:18
I only disagree on a couple minor points. CAM is a priority IMO because we look better when we have at least one player who can thread passes besides Saka. Smith Rowe is fantastic on the dribble but can't spot those little through balls that unlock deep defences. If our only signings were an attacking and defensive mid, I would be quite happy. Brandt and Bissouma would be great business if we could move Xhaka, Willian and Elneny on.


4.) 06 Jun 2021
06 Jun 2021 22:56:10
Leno is the only disagree with Iceman in what was a very good post.


5.) 07 Jun 2021
07 Jun 2021 05:19:34
Great Post but could willock not have a role for us to play next year.