A big part of Mikel Arteta’s recruitment philosophy alongside technical director Edu has been a focus on lowering the average age of the group and to not fall into the trap of investing in players with no long-term value. A problem that has seen unwanted assets forced out with no financial benefit to the club.
However, in a window like 2022 when there is such an emphasis on adding guaranteed quality to ensure Arsenal push toward their Champions League target there has been questions about continuing with this strategy. In fairness, a move for Gabriel Jesus shows the ability to combine both long-term value for money and add immediate quality.
The central midfield however was an area of startlingly obvious need to upgrade. So far, that has not happened, and Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard will be the likely starting trio, come the first game of the new season.
