The focus for Arsenal has been on the striker and midfield departments with a lack of strength in depth and the overall need for an upgrade in quality, particularly in the forward role.
However, for Arsenal, the activity has been primarily centred on outgoings. Despite the fact that four senior players, who can all play in the back four of the side, have left there is no expectation for defensive reinforcement.
Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers have left just Rob Holding, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes as the fit centre-back options. Takehiro Tomiyasu can play in the role but is currently out injured and his absence would leave Cedric Soares as starting right back.
Furthermore, Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ departure, along with Sead Kolasinac, lessened the choices at full-back. Ryan Alebiosu, who was on the bench in the last two games, has joined Crewe Alexandria on loan. The 20-year-old has seven assists from right wing-back in the under-23s.
However, it is the latest prospective departure that makes the whole defensive overhaul all the more confusing as Edu is looking to sanction even the most senior youth back-ups in the backline.
Omar Rekik and Tim Akinola are both close to leaving on loan. Zak Swanson is also said to be in a similar situation.
Kevin Betsy’s u23 side had been in a chase for a possible title however the loss of so many of the squad will likely mean a fight to avoid a mid-table finish could be on the cards before the end of the campaign.
The hypothetical scenarios for the first team however are what has raised the greatest level of concern. Gabriel Magalhaes has experienced multiple suspensions since arriving at the club.
Tomiyasu and Cedric both have needed to fight back from recent injury problems. Ben White missed the start of the season and like any player faces a risk of injury.
There may only be one competition and 17 games to focus on, but it seems that the club is taking a sizeable risk in allowing so many players in one department to leave.
Rekik in particular is, for me, the strangest choice with Chambers and Mari out the door. A ball-playing right-footed centre-half there are plenty of similarities to Ben White in his game. Getting senior experience will be crucial but the 2022 African Cup of Nations debutant is considered by many to be the best of the bunch.
If multiple of Gabriel, White, Holding and Tomiyasu become unavailable, the centre half depth, especially on the bench, would be concerning and Arteta may end up putting square pegs in round holes.
Considering Champions League qualification is on the line, it sparks a sense of naivety. One which I hope I am wrong about and that the final 17 games prove to be of a level that the depth isn’t required.
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