Despite failing to achieve top gear in 2023/24, Arsenal remains at the top four of the Premier League table.
They’ll also be competing in the Champions League knockouts in the new year, barring a terrible collapse.
Following another significant summer investment, 2018 is a pivotal season for Mikel Arteta and his vision. After such a promising 2022/23 season, fans will be expecting the Gunners to go up a gear this season. They’ll have to compete on numerous fronts.
Last January, the additions of Leandro Trossard and, to a lesser extent, Jorginho allowed Arsenal to keep their title charge going until the bitter end, and you get the impression the club will need to bring in one or two new faces in the winter to ensure Arteta’s goals are met in the second half of 2023/24.
However, due to Financial Fair Play issues, the club will be unable to buy unless they sell first.
1. Aaron Ramsdale
It appeared that Ramsdale would be a mainstay of Arteta’s project, but the club’s summer acquisition of David Raya has radically altered Ramsdale’s prospects.
Ramsdale has been used seldom since Arteta emerged as the Gunners’ number one, with Arteta preferring Raya’s profile. Raya has started every Premier League and Champions League match since September 17, with Ramsdale appearing in the Carabao Cup only twice.
While the manager has lauded the shot-stopper since his demotion, it doesn’t appear that he’ll reclaim his number one spot anytime soon. Arsenal will not want to split ways with Ramsdale in the middle of a key season, but if a buyer comes in with a substantial offer (about £50 million), the Gunners may be tempted.
2. Emile Smith Rowe
Just as Smith Rowe appeared to be gaining ground, he was struck by another injury, which has kept him out of Arsenal’s final four games before the November international break.
Smith Rowe has a great opportunity of re-establishing himself in Arteta’s XI with Granit Xhaka going and Kai Havertz trying to fill the vacancy. Following his troubles in pre-season, the manager has worries about the playmaker’s ability to defend under his 4-4-2 scheme.
After a terrible 2022/23 season, the manager didn’t give up on Smith Rowe in the summer, but his injury issues will prevent him from having any form of lasting impact, and he may be considered as a disposable asset once the winter window opens.
3. Thomas Partey
Arsenal’s choice not to transfer Partey in the summer appears to have cost them money, though I understand why they chose to keep the Ghanaian, who was apparently being chased by Saudi Pro League clubs.
While a supreme player when fit and firing, Partey’s fitness troubles hampered him again in the tail end of 2022/23, and he’s expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing thigh surgery.
He’s nothing short of a liability, and his troubles are said to have persuaded the club to sign another midfielder in the January transfer window. While European suitors may wait until the summer to make a deal due to his current thigh injury, I have no doubt that the Saudis will come back if Arsenal places him on sale.
