'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
It has been a rather unconvincing season for Unai Emery and Arsenal, despite them being the favourites to win the Europa League trophy and finish 3rd in the Premier League for the majority of the season. Injuries, inconsistent players and questionable decisions from the coaching staff indeed played key roles in this disastrous term for Arsenal, but will they bounce back from their current woes?
Unai Emery's first season with Arsenal wasn't miles better than that of Arsene Wenger's last year with the Gunners, but improvements were significant. Emery did a brilliant job considering the fact that he had just £80 million as transfer budget, in his first season at a new club, to bring his type of players that would suit his playing style. Despite that, Emery led Arsenal to their first European final since 2006 and registered 21 league wins, finishing just a point behind 4th-placed Tottenham.
Unai Emery is vaunted for his ability to bring success with small transfer budgets, and his signings have spoken volumes. The Spanish coach bought Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Sokratis and the incredible Bernd Leno for a mere £75 million. But, if Arsenal wish to compete for the title and consistently finish in the top three, the board needs to back Unai Emery with funds.
Here, we take a look at some of the things that Arsenal need to do for the 2019/20 season.
#3 Bring in Joachim Andersen
If there is one player Arsenal should go all out for, it is Joachim Andersen. Still just 23 years of age, Andersen is a ball playing centre back who plays for Sampdoria and is reportedly on several teams' transfer wishlist, notably Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United.
Unai Emery is in heavy need of reinforcements for his back line, as Arsenal have conceded nearly 50 goals in the league; a big reason to worry. Sokratis and Rob Holding are the only two decent centre backs he has at his disposal, but injury concerns with the latter have left Emery with only one centre back he can completely trust.
Joachim Andersen could prove to be a bargain in this inflated transfer market. Given his ability and his frank admission about considering a move abroad, it could make a great purchase.
The Danish centre-back is known for his composure and calmness on the ball, as can also play as a defensive midfielder if required. With lack of funds and zero squad depth, Unai Emery and co must make a move for him to lure him to the Emirates.
#2 Keep hold of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The name which has shot to prominence since his move to Crystal Palace from Man United back in 2014 is Wilfred Zaha. The Ivory Coast international has cemented his name as one of Premier League's best wingers over the years, with his electrifying pace, an eye for a goal and immense dribbling skills a constant threat for the best of defenders.
According to the BBC, Wilfred Zaha is keen on a move to Arsenal and it seems like the London based club is looking to bring in the 26-year-old to the Emirates. However, Arsenal reportedly only have a transfer budget of £45 million, with Zaha alone rated at a mammoth £80 million by Crystal Palace. David Ornstein claims that Arsenal might have to sell a big name, probably someone like Aubameyang, in order to fund Zaha's transfer. This is because they have failed to qualify for UCL and as a result, their budget is incredibly low.
This move clearly will not make sense as Aubameyang has arguably been Arsenal's best player this season along with Alexandre Lacazette and Bernd Leno. He has scored a staggering 40+ goals this season for Arsenal. The club does not have a like-for-like replacement for Aubameyang, and though he is on the wrong side of 30, the Gabonese striker still has plenty to give and Arsenal should ward off any interest for him from other clubs.
#1 Promote Reiss Nelson
The time has come. With Arsenal lacking a proper wide winger and being heavily linked with the likes of Yannick Carrasco, Wilfred Zaha, Ryan Fraser, etc, Reiss Nelson could be the simplest solution of all.
Nelson has come through the ranks at Arsenal, and the 18-year-old has impressed in his loan season at TSG Hoffenheim. Reiss Nelson was not a regular starter, and most of his appearances were from the bench, yet the winger managed to bag 7 goals last season; a decent stat for a teenager in his first year in a new country.
If Nelson can prove himself in the pre-season, him and Alex Iwobi could be regular starters for Arsenal. Unai Emery is a manager who relies on his youth, as we have seen the likes of Iwobi, Matteo Guendouzi, Rob Holding, etc, in the starting line ups this season.
Reiss Nelson certainly has the potential to solve Arsenal's winger crisis, but at 18, it is yet to be seen if he is worth the risk. Unai Emery has to get Arsenal back into the Champions League at any cost.
