Arsenal had a strong start to the summer transfer window addressing both the forward and defensive positions which clearly needed strengthening towards the back of last season. Despite a good start to the window, more acquisitions are still needed.
The Gunners have been searching for a midfielder and a winger throughout the window without much success.Young Brazilian star Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira were bought in for both positions, but these players are considered to be starters for the team in the future.
With only a few weeks remaining in the summer market, football.london's Arsenal writers debate which position between the midfield or wide area is more of a priority to strengthen in before the transfer window slams shut.
READ MORE: Edu bargain La Liga transfer to unlock new Arsenal Gabriel Jesus role is threatened by Juventus
Bailey Keogh - Arsenal Writer
Signing a midfielder should be the priority for Arsenal because bringing in a winger before the end of the transfer window will be more of a luxury rather than a necessity. But, with the middle of the park further depth is a necessity.
Last season we saw how detrimental it was to Mikel Arteta’s side whenever Thomas Partey or Granit Xhaka were missing from the starting XI. It seemed there was a major gap in the middle of the park which Albert Sambi Lokonga nor Mohammed Elneny could fill.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Tell us who you think Arsenal should sign in the comments section of this article
This is why it is crucial to sign another midfielder who also is on similar quality levels as Xhaka or Partey, to help Arsenal in the most demanding period of the season. Partey and Xhaka regularly miss games during the season, and with this campaign set to be the most physically demanding season due to the World Cup, it is pivotal that Arteta bolsters his midfield options.
Arsenal still needs to strengthen in the wing positions but it shouldn’t be a priority over a midfield transfer. Jesus was signed and can also give needed depth in the wide areas, and the promise of Marquinhos who also signed in the summer window can be explored too.
Kaya Kaynak - Arsenal Writer
For me what Arsenal should focus on in the final weeks of the transfer window is the forward areas. There has been lots of talk about a midfielder coming in, but I personally don't feel it's necessary. Don't get me wrong, I think Youri Tielemans is a top player and would be happy if he was signed, but in Albert Sambi Lokonga I think the Gunners have a left eight who has been slept on a bit this summer, while Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe are all options for those more advanced positions.
Obviously the forward areas have been bolstered by the arrival of Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos this summer, but I still think there's scope for a player who can play across the front line and add more goal threat. The game against Crystal Palace showed the importance of taking chances to make games a lot more comfortable and if the Gunners can find someone capable of bringing that to the party then the squad will be looking pretty capable of competing not just in the Premier League, but in the Europa League too.
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne - Arsenal Writer
If Arsenal are to strengthen in one position before transfer deadline day, for me it has to be in midfield. Yes, it's an area with quite a lot of depth and with Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira to return from injuries soon, Mikel Arteta does have a lot of options in the engine room.
But I'm not yet convinced either player is ready to challenge Granit Xhaka for the role as the left-sided central midfielder in a 4-3-3 system. Whilst the Swiss has certainly impressed in this position, he isn't without his flaws and despite giving it his best, is still limited when asked to perform all the duties required as an '8'.
And this was evident in the second half against Crystal Palace where all control was lost and the hosts started to dominate. With Martin Odegaard going quiet, a calming presence was required just to put his foot on the ball to help relieve the pressure and pick the passes to maintain the threat of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
Xhaka didn't provide that and it's important Arsenal address this issue before the transfer window closes. So for this reason, I think a midfield signing - amid links to Youri Tielemans in particular - is vital if they are to be genuine top-four contenders this season.
Tom Canton - Arsenal Writer
Had you asked me this question maybe even as little as a couple weeks ago my answer would have been different. However, with the season underway there is a growing feeling that, for me, Arsenal need to sign a wide forward as a priority.
For clarity, this player needs to be naturally more of a wide player by trade but who can comfortably deputise in the centre-forward position. With four competitions, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah simply are not enough to cope with the demands and an injury to one or, scarily, both could, correction, would be disastrous.
In central midfield meanwhile we have Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Martin Odegaard and, with his added versatility, Fabio Vieira. Plus not to mention a number of exciting youth options. It has been Xhaka’s impressive displays in the last year that have also contributed to the shift in view and credit to him.
Yes, the gap from Partey downward is considerable. However, we do have numbers here and that is what we don’t have in the same sense for the centre-forward area in particular.
Regarding names. Amine Gouiri, Cody Gakpo and Yeremy Pino are the ones that immediately strike me as good options. Ultimately though, Arsenal need to make sure that both are covered. However, when pushed to pick one, I have shifted my view that a wide forward with centre-forward versatility should be the priority.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Tell us who you think Arsenal should sign in the comments section of this article
READ NEXT:
Arsenal's next six fixtures compared to Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Big Arsenal Forum: Answer the call as we ask fans 7 key questions
Hector Bellerin may be forced to alter transfer decision as expected Arsenal exit draws nearer
