It’s fair to say that the next few weeks are crucially important to the future of Arsenal under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has managed to get the Gunners competing for a Champions League place once again, but with the side level on points with North London rivals Tottenham, it will be an intense race to the finish.
Arteta may never get a better chance to finish in the top four, with his side not playing in Europe this season giving them a longer break than sides competing around them, which may not be the case next season. There’s also the financial impact of finishing in the top four, with the boost allowing for more potential signings as well as higher-profile players.
The squad will also need strengthening in key areas as well as the general need for depth as the manager contends with having a thin squad. They could look to use one simple transfer trick to save millions during the window though.
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With three sides set to be relegated from the Premier League, the Gunners could take advantage of their need to cut costs by signing a number of their high-profile players. Here’s a look at one player from each team that could make the move to the Emirates from the clubs down the bottom.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The tall, dominating goal scorer has already been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer as they are on the lookout for a new striker. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang already leaving the club, and Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to leave as free agents, a new forward is clearly a necessity.
At 25-years-old, Calvert-Lewin is already a natural at finding the back of the net from close-range and in the air, earning a regular spot in the England national team setup. His struggles this season have come as a result of injuries, scoring just three times in the league this season with 12 appearances, leaving Everton struggling in a relegation battle.
Maxwel Cornet
25-year-old Maxwel Cornet made the move from Lyon to Burnley in the summer for £13.5million and has taken to the Premier League superbly. The Ivorian has scored seven and assisted once from the left wing in just 19 Premier League appearances.
His burst of pace is matched with a deft touch and skilful ability that can turn opposition defenders inside out. Given the fact he was playing European football for Lyon not so long ago, he will definitely favour a return in the top flight, something Arsenal could provide and his versatility, playing on both flanks and at full-back, could be handy.
Emmanuel Dennis
An outside shout for the centre-forward position could be Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis, who has been one of the signings of the season since he joined the Hornets last summer from Club Brugge for just over £3million. The Nigeria international has scored nine goals and assisted five in 28 appearances.
Much like Cornet, he was a regular feature in a side that were competing in Europe and given his form this season, a return to the top flight may be desired. Even if it were not as a first-team starter, Dennis could be a very useful option.
Max Aarons
Despite being only 22-years-old, Max Aarons has plenty of experience in both the Championship and the Premier League with Norwich. The full-back, who can play on the left or right, has been a regular feature for the struggling Canaries all season.
At such a young age, he still has plenty of potential to fulfil, with Bayern Munich previously reported to be interested in a move for the academy graduate. With his deal expiring in 2024, it could be an ideal oppportunity to snap up a player for the squad and for the future.
