Arsenal are languishing somewhat in the Premier League at the moment. Having struggled since the latter years of the reign of Arsene Wenger, they are currently fighting for a top-four finish but have odds currently of around 9 to 4 with most bookmakers. Chelsea are now odds-on to make the top four at around 4-11.
Something has to change at Arsenal and they need to increase the quality that they have in their side. Here are four players that might get their game to the next level and make sure they finish in the top four next year. Right now, their odds of winning the Premier League next year don’t look great with Man United, Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham and Chelsea all ahead of them, and Arsenal at a very long 20-1.
Mario Hermoso
There are reports out of Spain suggesting that this €40-million man from Espanyol could be on his way to Arsenal. Indeed, Arsenal may be considering paying that €40 million release clause, which is going around the rumour mill at the moment.
Mario Hermoso arrived at Espanyol in 2017 from Real Madrid, having come through the Real Academy but never making a first-team appearance. Now 23, Mario has made waves in La Liga and there is even talk of Real Madrid having a buyback clause of just €7.5 million, and then wanting to activate it.
Lots of big clubs seem to be looking at Hermoso and he played every game for Espanyol in the league prior to January. With him having made his Spanish debut, help the team to five clean sheets and weighed in with a couple of goals, he looks like a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal.
James Rodriguez
Arsenal really need some creativity and quality upfront, especially considering the fact that Aaron Ramsey is off next season. Mesut Ozil has been earning 350,000 pounds a week, but hasn’t done that huge wage justice. The Colombian, James Rodriguez, is a skilful and creative playmaker with tons of experience in La Liga, the German league, and the Bundesliga. Rodriguez is well known for his ability to make key passes and he is flexible in where he can play in midfield. Time will tell whether Rodriguez arrives at Arsenal, but it seems clear he would be a good upgrade on Mesut Ozil.
Ben Chilwell
At just 22, Ben Chilwell has been massively impressive at Leicester this year, with 29 appearances in the Premier League. There have been recent reports that Chilwell is a top target for Manchester City but is likely Leicester will demand somewhere in the region of 70 million pounds if Chilwell were to leave this summer. With a contract at the King Power Stadium until 2024, Leicester don’t need to sell and will hold all the cards in any transfer negotiations. Chilwell would certainly get into the Arsenal team and would strengthen the first 11.
Nicolas Pepe
Pepe has had a breakthrough year at Lille in Ligue 1. Having scored 18 goals and provided eight assists in just 30 appearances for Lille, the Ivorian has been extremely productive. Arsenal have struggled down the flanks and this starlet could well provide some much-needed impetus and pace.
Alex Iwobi and Denis Suarez have not really got to the levels of consistency they would’ve hoped for, and Pepe would get a starting line-up berth if he continues in the current vein of form. This would be an expensive player to purchase, but would certainly add to the team. Several clubs are reported to be interested in Pepe with odds on him joining Bayern Munich at 10-11. And Arsenal, Tottenham and Wolves are currently all at 5-1 to secure the services of this talented young footballer.
What are the chances of Rodriguez to Arsenal?
James Rodriguez joining Arsenal would be a marquee signing who is currently on loan out of Real Madrid. He’s odds-on with the bookies to stay in Germany at the Allianz Arena at 1-5, with odds to join Arsenal at around 7-2 with most bookies.
Arsenal certainly need to adapt and change and recent results have surely only re-confirmed that. A stronger squad is required and in-turn, this will enhance the starting 11 too. However, major investment is required before anyone would seriously consider them as realistic Champions material. Should that investment come through, sourcing a simple no deposit free bet 2019-2020 could provide a decent return on any bet.
Right now you wouldn’t want to put much of your money on Arsenal winning the Premier League next year as they have a lot of work to do and really do need to make waves in the transfer market in order to get the personnel they need to have success and begin the catch up with Liverpool and Man City. The other concern that Arsenal fans will have is whether they have the pulling power to attract the top talent that could turn the club around and make them a solid top four team for the future once again.