To the delight of the Emirates faithful, Arsenal have done most of their transfer dealings this summer earlier than seasons past. Unai Emery has brought in, as well as shipped out, several players as the start of the season draws nearer, but it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard will add or sell before the transfer window closes.
Arsenal have already added a few new defensive signings this summer which include Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sokratis, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi. In fact, Emery has only bolstered his defence and defensive midfield position since taking charge of the club and has yet to add anything new upfront, but there is still time for this.
There is talk of a possible move for Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele coming in before deadline day, but even this move occurring seems very doubtful when you look at what Emery has at his disposal upfront.
Despite signing a couple new defenders and a defensive midfielder there is further speculation that the Gunners could improve their back-line even more so. With Sead Kolasinac facing up to 10 weeks on the side-line after suffering and injury against Chelsea in a pre-season friendly last week, Emery is reportedly considering a move for AC Milan left-back Ricardo Rodriguez, whom Arsenal have had an interest in for some time.
The Gunners are now said to be contemplating a £30 million move for the Swiss defender to not only fill the void left by Kolasinac, but to possibly challenge the ageing Nacho Monreal for the starting role this season. Monreal has been one of Arsenal’s best performers in recent seasons, but he is 32 and has only since returned from an injury himself. Rodriguez would be an excellent addition to the squad as his delivery from the flanks and free-kicks can cause opposing teams a bit of bother and is a tireless defender.
The only other players that can back Monreal up until Kolasinac returns from injury is Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Reece Nelson, Rob Holding and Lichtsteiner. However, all four players are not natural in this position with both Nelson and Lichtsteiner being right wing-backs, Rob Holding a centre-back and Maitland-Niles, who although is a central midfielder, played in the left-back role last season.
It’s now up to Emery and if he believes the players he has currently at his disposal can back-up Monreal for 10 weeks or goes ahead and tries to sign Rodriguez from AC Milan.