Arsenal finally secure the signing of £50m Midfield maestro who’s an upgrade to Xhaka, medical to take place after picking jersey number today
Arsenal’s summer transfer dealings, particularly the record-breaking £105 million acquisition of Declan Rice, initially garnered praise. However, subsequent player performances and injuries have cast doubt on the overall success of these transactions.
Jurrien Timber, a promising signing from Ajax, faced adversity with a severe knee injury, limiting his contributions to just two matches. Kai Havertz, acquired for £65 million, struggled to score from open play until November. Goalkeeper David Raya also faced skepticism from Arsenal fans regarding his superiority over Aaron Ramsdale.
With three consecutive losses in the New Year, Arsenal aimed to reshape their season in the January transfer window. However, Financial Fair Play constraints may delay significant spending until the summer.
Looking ahead to the upcoming summer window, Arsenal’s primary goal is to secure a quality striker. Despite a desire to sign Ivan Toney for £80 million, Brentford shows reluctance to part ways mid-season, especially after Toney’s absence due to betting offenses.
Midfielder Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa is another focus for Arsenal, despite his hefty £100 million valuation. Previous £25 million bids were unsuccessful, but Arsenal is reportedly intensifying efforts behind the scenes. Comparisons between Luiz and former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka reveal parallels in playing style, with Luiz potentially filling the void left by Xhaka’s departure.
Luiz’s performances mirror Xhaka’s output, with seven goals and six assists in the current season. Similarities in pass success rates, key passes, passes into the final third, and attacking contributions suggest Luiz could surpass Xhaka’s attacking numbers from the previous season in Arsenal’s system under Mikel Arteta.
While Kai Havertz was chosen as Xhaka’s replacement, the parallels between Luiz’s attributes and Xhaka’s playing style highlight a potentially missed opportunity. Luiz, thriving in Unai Emery’s system at Aston Villa, seems well-suited to Arsenal’s midfield.
As Arsenal navigates the complexities of the transfer market, decisions made in the upcoming summer window will significantly impact the team’s trajectory and aspirations for success in the seasons ahead.