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Arsenal have made a sound start to the post-Arsene Wenger era. The Frenchman’s replacement, Unai Emery has gotten the Gunners dancing to his tunes. With Arsenal producing an exciting high-octane attacking style of football, there is a growing consensus that the appointment of Emery was the right one.
Currently, the Gunners find themselves on the right side of a 21 match unbeaten run. During that phase, they drew against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United while they blitzed past Tottenham in the North London Derby.
Though the Gunners seem to be on the right path, the talk of a title challenge this term is too premature. The North Londoners still need to iron out numerous flaws before they can actually mount a sustained title challenge.
Thus, through this article, we would look at three players who would help transform Arsenal from ‘also-rans’ to genuine title contenders. Here is a look at them.
#3 Matthijs De Ligt (Ajax)
De Ligt is a Dutch defender who plies his trade for Ajax. The Dutchman has been setting the world alight with his accomplished displays. Having been at Ajax since 2008, he has played a pivotal role in them qualifying for the Champions League knock-out stages this term.
Blessed with the ability to snuff out danger quickly, De Ligt is slowly establishing himself as one of the world’s top-drawer central defenders. In the current season, he averages around 3.5 clearances per game, indicating his ability to be in the right place at the right time.
Additionally, the Dutchman is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and helps in building play from the back. He averages more than 65 passes per game this term at an astonishing accuracy of over 90%. These attributes make him a perfect fit for Arsenal.
For years, Arsenal have lacked a Tony Adams-esque leader at the back. Despite being only 19, De Ligt already captains a talented Ajax team, thus making him an ideal option for the Gunners. De Ligt is still a teenager and has time to develop into one of the world’s best centre backs. However, his acquisition won’t be easy with a host of other clubs battling for his services as well.
In today’s market, he would surely cost in excess of £60m. Yet, his abilities definitely warrant such a hefty transfer fee.
If the Gunners can actually pull off this signing is anyone’s guess right now but if they do, it would certainly bring them closer to a title that has eluded them since 2004.
#2 Youri Tielemans (AS Monaco)
The Belgian has been on the Gunners’ radar for a while now with Arsenal not yet getting a deal through. Having impressed last season and in the World Cup, Tielemans has endured a slight dip in form. However, that slump could be put down to his team’s woeful performances this term.
A central midfielder by trade, Tielemans is equally adept at defending and attacking. His biggest attributes are his distribution and concentration, thus making him one of the most complete midfielders on the globe.
Not many in world football can combine the defensive and offensive aspects of their game yet the Belgian has come as close to any in cracking that code. At 21 years of age, he would represent a long-term option. Additionally, the prospect of Torreira lining up alongside Tielemans would be an exciting one indeed.
Emery is a huge fan of midfielders capable of getting the business done in both penalty boxes. Tielemans would completely tick both boxes. Thus, the Belgian would fit like a glove at Arsenal.
Moreover, Ramsey’s contract expires in the summer and with the Gunners not intent on offering him a new deal, Tielemans could be the man to spearhead their midfield in the years to come.
Now it is up to the Arsenal hierarchy to go all out for the Belgian and make him a Gunner.
#1 Ousmane Dembele (FC Barcelona)
Probably the most exciting name on our list is none other than the French sensation, Ousmane Dembele. Having turned heads with his displays for Borussia Dortmund, Dembele made his way to the Camp Nou last summer. However, not everything has gone to plan for the talented starlet.
With a heavy price tag weighing him down, Dembele hasn’t enjoyed the rub of the green with regards to injury. Constant muscular injuries have halted his progress and made him miss numerous games for the Catalans.
Dembele’s career has stalled over the past couple of seasons and he looks a shadow of the player that once lit up the Bundesliga. Thus, it seems that a move away from the Nou Camp could be the best solution for all parties. And this is exactly where Arsenal come into the equation.
More than anything else, Arsenal would offer the Frenchman a ‘get out of jail’ card. Additionally, he would be in the company of some of his former teammates, Mkhitaryan, Sokratis and his best friend, Aubameyang. The trio would help him settle at the Emirates and allow him the freedom to express himself on the pitch.
The Gunners lack a genuine winger in their squad and thus, the addition of Dembele would make perfect sense. Capable of playing on either wing, he would provide them with real width and cause defenders problems with his dazzling footwork.
Though the Gunners would have to cough up a significant fee to bring him to North London, his talent surely makes it worthwhile. Arsenal look just a player or two away from challenging for the title and Dembele could well be that player who leads the Gunners to the title.
Thus, Arsenal should pull out all the stops to acquire Dembele.
