Arsenal secure Lokonga and Tavares deals but more is needed
One of the key takeaways from last season was Arsenal’s need to improve the squad. With just under a month until its opening day match against new boys Brentford in the Premier League, the Gunners still have plenty of work to do.
With Kieran Tierney going down last season, Mikel Arteta was forced to shift players around. Granit Xhaka found himself filling in amicably, as did Cedric Soares. But the shortcomings were there for all to see. Having now addressed that situation with the signing of Benfica left back Nuno Tavares, Arsenal has a young, quality backup to Tierney.
Having played predominantly as a left-back for Benfica, Tavares can also play several positions due to his versatility. He can be utilized by Arteta either as a left-winger or on the right side of the defense if needed.
Another area the Gunners were sparse was in midfield. Arteta chopped and changed his partnerships throughout the majority of the season. New signing Thomas Partey spent most of his initial life in north London in the medical room, which isn’t ideal.
Similar to Partey, Lokonga is a very well-rounded footballer. He is equally adept going forward as he is defensively. His nous in his defensive duties is one of his best attributes and he has a rare mix of intelligence and physical power to go along with his tackling ability.
Having him paired with Thomas Partey, Arteta and Arsenal could have the perfect midfield tandem in the middle of the park. Both Lokonga and Partey are superb midfielders who are just as good at either end of the pitch.
So that takes care of two problems for Arsenal. But one area it has not addressed is someone to take the creative load off Emile Smith Rowe’s shoulders. Several reports have been swirling around of late. Arsenal are potentially in for both James Maddison of Leicester City and long-term target Houssem Aouar from Lyon.
Having already spent £18 million ($25m), Lokonga and £7m ($9.7m) and an impending £50 million ($69m) deal for Brighton defender Ben White, how much money will Arsenal have left?
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With no European football this season, transfer funds could be hard to come by. With Leicester City currently valuing Maddison at £60 million, that could prove a rather tough deal to make. Either Arsenal put together a cut-priced deal with a player or two as a sweetener or sell some of the fringe players on big wages.
Granit Xhaka and Hector Bellerin have been the two major names listed as gettable for opposing teams. However the fee that each would demand is not likely to put too much of a dent in Leicester’s evaluation of Maddison.
Then there is long-term target Aouar. Having tried and failed last season, with money proving to be the big stopping point with a deal. Several sources have suggested that the creative midfielder could be available for just £30 million.
Both are seen as a viable options for Arteta but again money could prove the stumbling block. Either Maddison or Aouar would prove to be superb additions to Arsenal’s creative forces, helping out Smith Rowe immensely.
There is still time for the Gunners to add to the squad, but the deals need to be completed quickly. Having secured Tavares and Lokonga, Arsenal fans will be hoping to see more fresh faces coming through the Emirates door in the coming weeks.
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