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Arsenal
Even though Arsene Wenger has gone, and now Unai Emery has succeeded him, Arsenal are looking to address key areas in the team.
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Sokratis Papastathopolous, Bernd Leno, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Guendouzi, and Lucas Torreira have been the incoming players thus far in the window, and they have all sought to address key defensive and midfield areas.
They may not be the biggest names, but they are all either experienced or have potential. Lichtsteiner and Torreira both did well for their countries (Switzerland and Uruguay) in the recent World Cup.
Bernd Leno is a highly-rated keeper from the Bundesliga, though apparently, he had the worst mistakes record in the division. However, he was close to reaching the Germany World Cup squad, and a bigger stage may help his confidence and profile. Sokratis is a Greek defender from Germany also, and he is of a different mould to Arsenal's current defenders in that he is stronger and more physically rugged. He could add a touch of steel amongst the current options.
There has been talks of a move for Dembele and Dybala, but Arsenal already look strong in attacking options.
The issue for Arsenal this season may be tactical and structural as much as personnel based, given the evident faults from the previous season. As a manager whose speciality is tactical nous and meticulousness, Emery will be judged by how well Arsenal adapt.
Arsenal may also need to sell players, if only as part of a new tactical direction. Welbeck, Joel Campbell, Perez, Elneny, Ospina, Cech, etc. could all be top candidates to go in this new Arsenal model.
The club has looked to reform its squad in a different and new light, and this is in stark contrast to the latter years under Wenger. As is getting in players early. Is this change positive? Who knows? But it does signify a new direction and ethos.
Rating: 7/10
No huge names per se. But areas that require strengthening are being addressed, and which were neglected in the latter Wenger tenure.
