Arsenal is currently navigating a crucial period, preparing for a major European fixture while also planning extensively for the upcoming transfer window.
The Gunners stand just 120 minutes away from potentially reaching the Champions League final, yet they remain significantly behind Premier League leaders Liverpool in the title race.
Manager Mikel Arteta and his staff are actively working to identify and recruit players who can help Arsenal bridge this gap and compete more strongly for the league title next season.
Targeting Jules Kounde
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has emerged as a potential reinforcement for Arsenal`s defense. The French international, who joined Barcelona from Sevilla for £42m after turning down Chelsea, is now primarily used as a right-back at the Nou Camp.
However, the 26-year-old has previously expressed a preference for playing in central defense, a versatility that greatly appeals to Arteta. Arsenal are reportedly considering a £55m offer if a deal seems feasible.
Kounde`s impressive fitness record is another positive; he played 104 consecutive games for Barcelona before being rested recently. Despite Barcelona coach Hansi Flick valuing his pace in a high defensive line and Kounde having two years left on his contract, Arsenal`s recent European progress and strong league performance could potentially entice the defender if he is looking for a change.
Securing Gabriel`s Future
While transfer targets are capturing attention, Arsenal is also focused on retaining key players. The club is preparing to open new contract discussions with Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes this summer, despite his season being cut short by a hamstring injury.
Since his arrival from Lille five years ago, Gabriel`s influence has grown significantly, particularly in set-piece situations following the arrival of coach Nicolas Jover. He scored five goals this season before his injury, including a crucial winner in the North London derby, bringing his total for Arsenal to 20.
His central defensive partnership with William Saliba has been fundamental to Arsenal`s rise among the Premier League and European elite. Notably, Saliba has appeared less assured at times without Gabriel alongside him, making uncharacteristic errors.
Although clubs in the Saudi Pro League, including Cristiano Ronaldo`s Al Nassr, have shown interest in the 27-year-old, Arsenal are confident Gabriel wishes to remain at the Emirates and are ready to initiate talks despite his current contract having two years left.
Dembele`s Goal Drought
PSG manager Luis Enrique showed frustration when questioned about forward Ousmane Dembele`s recent lack of goals ahead of their Champions League semi-final.
The former Barcelona winger had been in prolific form, scoring 24 goals in 18 appearances across three competitions, including key Champions League goals. However, the 27-year-old has now gone five games without finding the net since March 16, including both quarter-final legs.
Dembele was substituted after just over an hour in the recent draw at Nantes, seemingly unhappy with the decision. When pressed on the player`s mental state before the semi-final first leg in North London, Luis Enrique responded sharply, suggesting reporters were creating narratives.
Academy Stars Emerge
Ethan Nwaneri marked another significant step in his development during Arsenal`s 4-0 victory at Ipswich recently, scoring a goal. It was his ninth goal in 34 appearances across all competitions in what has been a remarkable breakthrough season.
Equally impressive was his first post-match interview in the mixed zone. The 18-year-old handled the potentially daunting situation with maturity, speaking calmly and thoughtfully about his experience in the first team and how he has adapted, leaving a positive impression.
Nwaneri mentioned the support from his childhood friend and teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has also featured for the first team and is more experienced with media duties. Arsenal takes immense pride in both players, not just for their on-field contributions but also for their personal development.
The club places great importance on preparing young academy players for all aspects of professional life, including media training, an initiative strongly supported by Academy manager Per Mertesacker. Nwaneri highlighted how senior players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have helped keep him and Lewis-Skelly grounded and supported them, treating them like full members of the squad.
Points Dropped Prove Costly
Arsenal`s Premier League title hopes were significantly impacted by their inability to hold onto leads, most recently against Crystal Palace where they drew 2-2 after twice being ahead. This pattern of dropping points means Liverpool are set to comfortably secure the title.
The Gunners are likely to finish second for the third consecutive season, a result partly attributable to too many draws this term. Their 13 Premier League draws are among the highest in the league, and critically, nine of these came after holding a winning position – more than any other team.
This amounts to 18 points dropped from winning positions this season. Arsenal has only dropped more points from winning positions twice in the Premier League era (21 in 2019-20 and 20 in 2001-02, when they won the league). In stark contrast, Liverpool has dropped just 11 points in similar scenarios.
While injuries, unfortunate red cards, and refereeing decisions have undoubtedly hampered Arsenal, the team`s tendency to concede from advantageous positions has been a self-inflicted wound that ultimately cost them dearly in the title race.
Raya`s High Line Questioned
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner revealed that his analysts had identified David Raya`s tendency to position himself high off his line as a potential weakness to exploit, which his players successfully did in their recent match.
Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalized on a mistake, chipping the ball over the stranded Raya into an empty net. Mateta confirmed post-match that he had observed Raya`s high positioning in the first half and decided to attempt the chip if the opportunity arose.
This wasn`t an isolated incident; Raya`s pass was intercepted earlier in the half, almost leading to a goal. While Raya has been praised for his distribution and sweeping abilities, this incident highlights a potential vulnerability.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reportedly views the goal as an embarrassing but isolated mistake rather than a deep-seated issue requiring significant tactical changes. However, upcoming opponents, such as PSG`s Luis Enrique ahead of the Champions League semi-final, are likely to have taken note and may look to target this aspect of Raya`s game.
