Arsenal: Gunners Must Dip Back Into the Market – Squad Holes Evident

Reiss Nelson is the only winger in the squad

Reiss Nelson is a good player and a great prospect with massive potential. But in no way is he ready to take up a key role in the Arsenal side. Despite his inexperience, Nelson possesses qualities that the Arsenal XI are desperately lacking. Width, pace, energy, dribbling, these are all missing in some way or another, which is why a winger must be brought in before the window closes.

It won’t be cheap, as wide players are the most expensive in the world to buy, but they’re a crucial cog in any successful team. Not having any first XI natural wingers is quite ghastly. Preferably this signing would be someone young, who can run at the fullbacks and stretch the defence in order for Aubameyang, Lacazette, and Ozil to work their magic with more space.

Look at the impact Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling had in Manchester City’s title win. Look at how huge Mo Salah and Sadio Mane were for Liverpool’s UCL success. For Arsenal to have zero wide players of this calibre while all their rivals splash the cash to get their hands on them, isn’t a good sign. It’s simply a must to have capable wingers, as they can contribute heavily in a transitional side or a possession-based side.

Addressing these issues makes Arsenal competitive again

The two major issues in the Arsenal squad are at centre-back and on the flanks, and other than that, the squad is essentially set. It wouldn’t hurt to bring in a left-back if the budget allows it, as Nacho Monreal is getting old and Saed Kolasinac is inconsistent and too bulky, but this won’t be a major necessity until next summer.

Next: No More Excuses for Klopp - Spending Requires Results

If Unai Emery can knit the side together in a specific style of play, find his perfect midfield setup, and solve the Aubameyang-Lacazette issue, there’s absolutely no reason why Arsenal can’t exceed expectations in a season where nobody is really expecting much.