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After failing to make the necessary signings that they needed in January, Arsenal desperately need to get things right in the summer. Despite Hector Bellerin's season-ending injury and having the worst defensive record in the top four, they failed to make any significant moves in January.
There were numerous reports, that due to budget concerns, they would only consider loan moves (guardian). The fact that Arsenal's head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat left after just 14 months, probably didn't help and certainly won't make things easy in the summer.
It's fair to say that Unai Emery has inherited a fairly poor squad and has not yet had the time, or sufficient budget to fix it. Most notably, Arsenal lack any form of natural, wide talent, with players like Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi pushed out there, despite both preferring to come inside more.
Therefore, we suggest three players the Gunnars should consider signing during the summer transfer window.
#3 Nicolás Tagliafico
With Nacho Monreal now 33 years old, and Saed Kolasinac both fairly poor defensively and seemingly only comfortable in a back system, Arsenal will be in desperate need of a new left-back. Tagliafico looks to be comfortably better than Kolasinac, outperforming him in every defensive stat. Tagliafico completes 2.4 tackles, 2 interceptions and makes 1.7 clearances per game, all superior to Kolasinac's 1.4 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 1.4 clearances per game (whoscored.com).
With Tagliafico's quality clear to see, it's no surprise Arsenal have been heavily linked with him (MARCA). The only real concern for Arsenal, is that Tagliafico's notable performances in the Champions League have seemingly attracted interest from elsewhere. Arsenal may be wary of getting dragged into a bidding war, with the Argentine linked with a host of Europe's top clubs, including both Real and Atlético Madrid.
#2 Ismaïla Sarr
Arsenal, reportedly inquired about the availability of Ismaila Sarr, straight after their first leg Europa League loss to Rennes, in which Sarr scored against them (dailymail). Sarr would fit perfectly into this Arsenal team, as he is able to play on either the left or right wing. He would go a long way to plugging Arsenal's lack of natural wide talent.
Having scored 10 and assisted eight, in all competitions, Sarr would offer Arsenal the goals and creativity on the wing that they so desperately need. Sarr has arguably saved his best performances for the Europa League, scoring four and assisting two in just 9 games. At just 21, Sarr is already a full international for Senegal, having already made 20 appearances, including three at the World Cup in Russia.
Arsenal legend, Robert Pires, has also endorsed the move saying, "he has the profile to evolve at the Gunners and would adapt quickly, to the way of play wanted by Unai Emery." (sun).
#1 Yannick Carrasco
Widely linked with a loan move to Arsenal in January (eveningstandard), Arsenal will likely return for their man in the summer. However, with Chinese side Dalian Yifang clearly uninterested in loaning him out, it will likely have to be a permanent move. Yannick Carrasco would once again address Arsenal's lack of a natural winger, as he is comfortable playing on the left or the right.
While Arsenal fans may be put off from signing a player from China, it's worth remembering this is a player who once scored in a Champions League final. Carrasco's quality has never been in doubt, just his attitude. Occasionally showing glimpses of brilliance at Atlético Madrid, a poor relationship with Diego Simeone, eventually saw him depart to China.
Despite plying his trade in China, Carrasco has still been a regular for Belgium, an impressive feat, considering the depth of talent they possess. The continued faith of his national manager, may also indicate an approvement in attitude.
Carrasco's best season, was undoubtedly the 16/17 season, where he scored 10 and assisted four in the league for Atlético Madrid. It's this type of form Arsenal will hope to see Carrasco rediscover, if they are to sign him.
