Coach Mikel Arteta called on Arsenal's board of directors to once again support him, asserting that the "Gunners" need to upgrade their squad if they want to become Premier League champions.
The Gunners have begun their pre-season tour of the United States , but defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will not be available after suffering a knee injury. The Japanese player had to stay at headquarters as a precautionary measure, while Arteta continuously complained about the squad.
The Spanish strategist understands that Arsenal needs to have good enough squad quality and depth to compete with Manchester City. In the last two seasons, the "Gunners" watched helplessly as The Citizens won the domestic championship.
"It's unbelievable because Takehiro Tomiyasu has worked so hard. He had an accident in training this week and we don't know the extent of the injury yet but as a precaution we've kept him in London " - Arteta talked about Tomiyasu's injury.
When one door closes, another door opens. Jurrien Timber joined Emirates last summer but was injured and almost missed the entire season last season. When his condition returns to stability, the Dutch player is expected to play well as Arsenal's left-back.
However, Timber could face competition from Riccardo Calafiori if Arsenal reach an agreement with Bologna. The Italian player is the top target of the "Gunners" with plans to strengthen the defense depth. Even if Calafiori is not sure to start, this is still the contract that Arteta really needs.
The rest of Arsenal's defense has almost stabilized after an impressive 2023-2024 Premier League season. William Saliba and Gabriel are the best central defenders in the tournament, while Ben White is gradually adapting to the right-back role.
Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are four players who will definitely have a starting spot at Arsenal if they are healthy enough. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz left Arteta in a dilemma, despite creating a certain impact last season.
Havertz played well as a virtual "number 9", but Man City is the only team to win in the Premier League era without using a true striker. Therefore, Arteta needs a stable goalscorer next season.
Victor Osimhen is a suitable striker and can lead Arsenal's attack. Napoli has contacted Romelu Lukaku and is ready to let Osimhen leave for the right price.
In case of bringing in a new striker, will Arsenal sell Havertz or continue to trust the German player as a midfielder? Havertz has enough ability to become a quality midfielder but the problem is compatibility with Odegaard. Using two attacking midfielders at the same time will put defensive pressure on Rice.
Jorginho has proven himself to be a great partner for Rice in the middle of the park, but is not fit enough to play week in and week out. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard is more suitable for playing on the attack.
In fact, at Man City, Rodri also did not have a partner by his side but still played impressively. The problem is the system that Pep Guardiola built, where the players know how to move without the ball. This will clearly be Arteta's request to his students next season.
Expected Arsenal lineup for the 2024-2025 season: Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, White, Rice, Odegaard, Havertz, Martinelli, Osimhen, Saka.
