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Arsenal transfer season is never quiet and this year is no exception. There has been renewed optimism around the Emirates this season as they currently occupy a top 4 spot with only 6 games left.
They have no games left against any top 6 sides, making fans and pundits think they’re odds on for the top 4. This would mean Champions League football at the Emirates again next season, which would also mean more money to spend on transfers.
While the Arsenal squad has outperformed expectations this season, they still aren’t at the same level as rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. If they really want to compete among Europe’s elite, they need to splash the cash this summer and find some good value deals. This article will take a look at 4 realistic Arsenal transfer targets who could help them improve next season.
#1 Ryan Fraser
Having been very impressive for Bournemouth since 2013, it’s about time Ryan Fraser is getting linked to a bigger club. He has been a mainstay in each of the last 3 Bournemouth Premier League campaigns, making 28 or more appearances each season.
His strong form at club level earned him a call up for his native Scotland, where he has made 6 appearances since his debut in 2017. Having played primarily as a wide midfielder for Bournemouth of late, Fraser also has the versatility to slot in as a Fullback.
Despite his diminutive size, he is known for being one of the fastest players in the Premier League, possessing elite dribbling ability with the ball at his feet. Having just turned 25 years of age, Fraser also likely has at least several years at the top level left in him. Given all the links to Arsenal this season, this particular transfer seems like it may be close.
#2 Samuel Umtiti
Having had two consecutive very successful seasons at Barcelona, Samuel Umtiti appears to have fallen out of favor in 2019. His compatriot Clement Lenglet has had a breakthrough year, with consistently solid performances earning him the spot next to Gerard Pique.
After making 40 or more appearances in each of the last 2 seasons, Umtiti has only played in 11 games for the Spanish giants this season. Unsurprisingly, this is frustrating for a player of his quality and he is seeking a move elsewhere.
Having played successfully at the highest levels, Umtiti would be a huge upgrade in the middle of Arsenal’s defence. Not only has he been a key contributor on a La Liga winning side, but he was also very much a part of France’s fantastic 2018 World Cup. His physicality, athleticism, and ball-playing ability would provide an immediate boost to Arsenal’s defence and help improve their weakest link.
#3 Adrien Rabiot
Arguably the most talented player on this list, the mercurial midfielder regularly finds himself part of transfer speculation. He has spent the better part of 7 seasons with French giants PSG, playing 227 games in the process.
After a very strong 2017-18 campaign, Rabiot hasn’t featured as much for the Parisian side this season. He has made just 20 appearances all season and looks to be on his way this summer after his suspension.
Given his elite size and immense talent as a ball-playing midfielder, Arsenal have understandably been linked. While they’ve gotten improved play from their Midfield this season, Rabiot would be a noticeable talent upgrade.
Questions do need to be asked about his ego and whether he would be willing to move over to Arsenal. That said, if he performs to the best of his ability, he is certainly a world-class midfielder on his day.
#4 Michael Keane
A recent Arsenal transfer link that has appeared fairly prominently by the English media of late is Everton centre-back, Michael Keane. Keane initially impressed with Burnley, where he enjoyed a very solid 3-season run.
Having joined Everton at the start of last season for 25 million, he did somewhat disappoint in his first year. Admittedly, his performances have improved significantly in 2018-19 and Everton’s defence appears to be in much better shape.
Having just turned 26, the England international appears set to move to a bigger club either this Summer or next. Given the incumbent options at Arsenal, I think an in-form Michael Keane is an upgrade.
While the price tag won’t be cheap, Keane is at an age where Arsenal could get a solid 7-8 seasons out of him. I think he still has room to improve and could find himself as one of the better Premier League defenders in the coming years.
