Arsenal’s return to the height of the Premier League has brought with it some optimism that the Gunners are here to stay, with a young squad capable of challenging for seasons to come. While the title is still undecided this campaign, one key difference glancing at next year will be the squad’s return to the Champions League.
It’s been nearly seven-years since the side last qualified for the top European competition, bringing with it a bigger spotlight and a financial boost too. It’s a moment that will likely be celebrated on a small scale, even if the bigger prize of the league does slip into the hands of Manchester City.
“Within the disappointment and the spirit around [the club], we need to do two things – recognise what a lot of people around the club have done to get us back into the Champions League, which was already a difficult thing to achieve,” Mikel Arteta said on returning to the competition earlier this month. “Not a lot of people were very optimistic that we had the ability to do that at the start of the season, and we need to start recognising the good work that a lot of people have done to achieve that.”
While the Spaniard went on to say that top four isn’t just enough, it is a building block for the side pushing onwards. Going forward though, there may be a greater desire to strengthen the squad with depth for the influx of extra games and the higher quality opponents they will face compared to the Europa League.
A few areas may need to be addressed, one of which coming in defence, where the side could do with some reinforcements. Injuries to William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu have underlined the issue with depth that is possible, with the manager scrambling for answers during this period.
While a centre-back may be a priority then, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi linked with a big-money move for the summer, another position to look at could be right-back. Ben White has impressed since shifting there this season, covering plenty of ground up and down the pitch.
Tomiyasu can’t offer the same attributes and if Arteta wishes to stick with his system over many games, he will need a backup waiting in the wings. According to the Mirror, that could be Leicester City’s TImothy Castagne as the Gunners are said to have been monitoring the potential for a switch.
The Belgium international has shown plenty of attacking prowess with the Foxes as well as some ability to play on the left and right. Should his side get relegated, the north London outfit may be able to land a cut-price deal too, which could see some funds refocused elsewhere.
It remains to be seen whether a move will be made, but it shows the need to add to the squad before a return to the Champions League.
