Arsenal’s 2020-21 Transfer Strategy: Aiming for Revival Under Mikel Arteta
The 2019-20 season was a difficult chapter in Arsenal’s Premier League history, marking their lowest finish in over two decades. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners displayed moments of promise, yet overall inconsistency hindered their ability to secure a top spot. As fans looked ahead to the 2020-21 campaign, skepticism lingered—particularly regarding the squad’s lack of improvement since Arsène Wenger’s departure. Although the FA Cup victory over Chelsea provided some solace, the real challenge for Arsenal remained: rebuilding the squad to compete at the highest level again, especially when it comes to securing high-profile signings. This analysis explores Arsenal’s transfer plans, focusing on strengthening critical positions and assessing who Arteta might bring in to revitalize the club’s fortunes.
Rebuilding the Defense: Searching for Leadership and Reliability
Defense has persistently been Arsenal’s Achilles’ heel, particularly since Laurent Koscielny’s exit. Despite their attacking riches, with names like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, and Nicolas Pepe, the club has regularly faltered due to a lack of organization at the back. Previous signings such as Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz, and Sokratis have not delivered the required defensive solidity or leadership.
Arsenal took a step toward solving these issues by acquiring William Saliba from Saint Etienne. At 19, Saliba shows promise with strong concentration and tactical awareness, standing at an imposing 6’3”. However, his inexperience—just a dozen Ligue 1 appearances last season—means it’s unrealistic to expect him to immediately outshine established Premier League defenders or single-handedly transform the team’s defensive fortunes.
Rumors suggest that Gabriel Magalhaes of Lille is close to signing for the Gunners. Known for his aerial ability and eye for distribution, Gabriel represents potential, but relying on another young, unproven defender carries risk. For true progress, Arsenal should also target established Premier League center-backs who offer proven consistency and resilience. Possible names include James Tarkowski, Tyrone Mings, or Lewis Dunk—players whose Premier League experience and physical presence could make an instant impact. While world-class talents such as Dayot Upamecano might be out of reach, pragmatic additions from within England could provide the backbone Arsenal so urgently need.
Strengthening the Midfield: The Search for Defensive Authority
In midfield, Arsenal’s need for a commanding defensive presence remains pressing. While links with creative talents like Philippe Coutinho and Houssem Aouar persist, Arsenal’s major gap is a midfielder who can both shield the defense and dictate the tempo.
Granit Xhaka’s arrival once promised such qualities, but after five seasons, Arsenal’s vulnerability in midfield persists. Comparisons can be drawn to rivals who have addressed this role successfully: Tottenham’s recruitment of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Burnley’s reliance on Ashley Westwood are cases in point.
Thomas Partey has been frequently mentioned as a top target. His athleticism and tactical awareness would provide the robust shield Arsenal needs. However, it’s uncertain whether he would leave Champions League football with Atlético Madrid for a side currently rebuilding. Other feasible options could include Declan Rice, Wilfred Ndidi, or Denis Zakaria—midfielders recognized for their ability to break up play and operate as deep-lying playmakers. Zakaria, for example, offers athleticism, positional intelligence, and the maturity to anchor Arsenal’s midfield, making him a cost-effective alternative should higher-profile targets be unavailable. What Arsenal must avoid is continuing to pursue creative midfielders at the expense of defensive balance.
Integrating Willian: Depth and Experience for the Attack
Arsenal’s acquisition of Willian provides experience and versatility to their attack. As a seasoned Premier League campaigner with more than 230 appearances for Chelsea, Willian brings consistency and creativity. Though he is unlikely to be an automatic starter ahead of Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, or Aubameyang when all are fit, his presence bolsters squad depth and offers Arteta tactical flexibility across the frontline.
Willian’s ability to create chances, particularly when Pepe or Lacazette experience dips in form, is valuable. However, his signing alone won’t resolve Arsenal’s broader shortcomings—real progress relies on comprehensive strengthening in other areas, especially at the back and in holding midfield.
Projected Lineups: Ambitions Versus Reality
While supporters may dream of a lineup featuring elite signings, realistic expectations must consider budget constraints and market realities. Here’s a comparison of potential best-case and practical starting elevens for Arsenal in 2020-21, assuming some of the rumored transfers materialize:
| Position | Dream Lineup | Realistic Lineup |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Leno | Leno |
| Defense | Bellerin, Tarkowski, Boly, Tierney | Bellerin, Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney |
| Midfield | Zakaria, Rice | Xhaka, Ceballos |
| Attack | Pepe, Willian (as CAM), Aubameyang | Pepe, Aouar, Aubameyang |
| Striker | Lacazette | Lacazette |
In the ideal scenario, experienced defenders and midfield enforcers would give Arsenal significantly more stability. In reality, some gaps remain—specifically in central defense and midfield—due to financial limitations and competition for signings.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for Arsenal
Arsenal faces a crucial juncture as Arteta seeks to craft a squad with his own imprint. The 2020 summer transfer window is pivotal in determining whether the Gunners can bridge the gap to Champions League football. While signings such as Gabriel, Willian, and potentially Aouar bring optimism, the core issues in defense and defensive midfield must be urgently and sensibly addressed for Arsenal to genuinely progress. Prioritizing experienced, Premier League-proven arrivals could lay the foundation for a return to the top four while Arteta continues building for long-term success.
The upcoming season will be a testament to Arsenal’s vision—balancing ambition with practicality on the journey back to elite status in English football.
