Edu recently stated Arsenal would only become competitive again in the 2022/23 season. It was certainly a statement that ruffled some feathers amongst the fanbase, but how are we looking in relation to this?
Keepers:
Bernd Leno will have hit 30 by this time, which isn't a bad age for a keeper. The bigger issue is the back up. Runar Alex Runarsson is awful, Hein, Okonkwo and others have a long way to go before they are ready.
Back Four:
Kieran Tierney, Gabriel and hopefully William Saliba should be established by 2022/23, and the oldest will be 25 - so should be set for a long time. Pablo Mari and Rob Holding add depth. The big question mark I feel is the right back position. Hector Bellerin will be 27/28 and has suffered a lot of injuries that have reduced some of his qualities. Cedric will still be at the club probably.
Midfield:
The area we need to improve most immediately. Thomas Partey will be 29 while the likes of Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Dani Ceballos should have all left. Replacing them 3 with higher quality will be key if we are going to be truly competitive by 22/23. That season may be a bit early for someone like Miguel Azeez, the highly rated youngster will only turn 20 in September 2022.
Attack:
With Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli we have a lot of potential that have already become important players. A lot of our hope depends on developing these 3, and possibly Reiss Nelson, Folarin Balogun and Catalin Cirjan could also step up. Adding one or two more experienced players could help, although we look like we could be stuck with Willian and Pepe for a long time.
Strikers:
I feel at sometime before 2022/23 (4 transfer windows away) we will need to buy a striker. Although Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang has a contract beyond then, it is questionable if he will be at his best in his 34th year. Alexandre Lacazette looks likely to be gone, while Eddie Nketiah hasn't made a claim.
So, in conclusion, I feel we have a good starting point. The back 4 is beginning to take shape, but midfield has to be a priority. Then the hardest thing to do, find a goalscorer.
However, it will require good coaching, player development, good scouting and smart signings. So the biggest question that only time will answer is are the right people in the job to achieve that?
2022/23 - competitive?
posted on 13/1/21
I think we're on track to have a very good first 11 by 2022/23 season, providing everyone progresses how we hope they will. Going to have to spend alot on the midfield, though.
It may be strength in depth where we struggle. The key is stability in the management. We can't be chopping and changing every season.
posted on 13/1/21
Btw Macey was quality for Hibs v Celtic the other night, looks a real find for them.
Really confusing to see that after Runarsson being above him at Arsenal
posted on 13/1/21
I can see us turning more and more towards integrating and developing Hale End lads, still picking up occasional upcoming potential from Europe - eg. Omar Rekik.
Interestingly, apparently Brexit looks like it might open the door to more S. American signings? Need to look into that one more, but if that is the case it's interesting that that was the one part of our scouting network we didn't completely dismantle last year.
Tbh at the point we currently are 2022/23 seems too far away to make any accurate predictions, or assumptions. We can only hope those in charge start making more right decisions than wrong ones. That seems like the most likely course for any club to make progress, without spending (wasting) tonnes of money.
posted on 13/1/21
Agree with Edu, there's no quick fix to our current problems so I'm glad he can see that as it gives more confidence in his judgement and the direction he's taking us. Everything will come down to signings but Gabriel, Partey are up there with out best signings in years, Mari is looking decent so I've got more faith in Edu than the previous regime.
posted on 13/1/21
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posted on 13/1/21
In answer to the OP
Yes but also no
posted on 13/1/21
comment by Lexington 125.2 - Give Reiss A Chance (U8879)
posted 4 hours, 23 minutes ago
I can see us turning more and more towards integrating and developing Hale End lads, still picking up occasional upcoming potential from Europe - eg. Omar Rekik.
Interestingly, apparently Brexit looks like it might open the door to more S. American signings? Need to look into that one more, but if that is the case it's interesting that that was the one part of our scouting network we didn't completely dismantle last year.
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The changes in requirements for work permits mean it's now much easier to sign for example Argentinian players, essentially now they simply need to have played a decent number of games in their respective divisions (even if that is not the top division - that doesn't matter either) so potentially more signings like Martinelli should be possible. Before the requirements were stricter with things like international appearances from what I understand.