According to the supercomputer, recruiting left-back Pervis Estupinan, midfielder Khephren Thuram and striker Serhou Guirassy in January 2024 will help Arsenal overcome weaknesses to compete for the Premier League title this season.
Sunsport used the xGOLD supercomputer - a custom-built tool from Total Football Analysis that helps clubs find exciting players in the transfer market - to pinpoint the biggest weaknesses in Arsenal's squad. From there, the supercomputer found three players who could significantly improve these weaknesses for the Gunners to aim for the title.
First up is the left-back position. Coach Mikel Arteta's top choice for this position is Oleksandr Zinchenko - who will start on the left flank and move into the middle of the pitch to create play when Arsenal are in possession. Jurrien Timber also did well in that role in his first few games after moving to the Emirates, but the Dutch defender suffered a serious injury and will be out for the rest of the season. Since the start of the season, Takehiro Tomiyasu has been pushed to the left wing many times but is not highly regarded for his ability to distribute the ball like Zinchenko or participate in attacks.
However, xGOLD believes Arsenal are lacking a left-back with other strengths who can provide a more direct style of play with the ability to overlap to support the attack and carry the ball down the touchline.
Estupinan disputes with Saka during a match between Brighton and Arsenal in the Premier League. Photo: AFP
Pervis Estupinan is therefore seen as the perfect solution at left-back for Arsenal to diversify their style of play. The Brighton Ecuadorian can provide more support for attacks on the left flank, with Gabriel Martinelli being the first choice up front, with his acceleration and overlapping ability.
Such runs from the full-back position can be crucial in breaking down deep defences – something Arsenal often face. Having the full-back move wide, rather than dropping into the middle of the pitch, also stretches the opposition defence more, giving Arsenal’s attackers more space in the middle of the pitch to progress the ball.
Estupinan moved deep near the touchline to receive the ball and then crossed into the penalty area. Screenshot
Estupinan is also highly regarded for his defensive and positional skills - which will help Arsenal better fend off counter-attacks. Zinchenko is excellent at distributing the ball, but is not highly regarded for his defensive positioning and has often conceded goals.
In midfield, the supercomputer recommends Arsenal sign Khephren Thuram from Nice - the club currently second in Ligue 1, one point behind PSG. Thuram - the son of French football legend Lilian Thuram and younger brother of Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram - is a powerful central midfielder with physical strength and sweeping ability.
Thuram would pair well with Declan Rice, given his ability to disrupt opposition attacks. But the Frenchman can also carry the ball and break lines with his creative passing. Thuram is a technically gifted midfielder, and over the last 12 to 18 months he has improved his reading of the game and positioning significantly.
Thuram (center) has played 10 matches with 731 minutes in Ligue 1 this season. Photo: AFP
If he joins Arsenal, Thuram would strike a balance between Rice and captain Martin Odegaard, but Sunsport believes the move will only happen if Arteta accepts that his experiment with Kai Havertz in midfield has not worked as hoped.
Finally, the striker. Not Brentford's Ivan Toney, the supercomputer sees Serhou Guirassy as the perfect option for Arsenal. The 27-year-old Stuttgart centre-forward has been the biggest surprise this season, scoring 15 goals in nine Bundesliga games. Guirassy is a good fit for Arsenal, as his contract with Stuttgart has a release clause of just $18.5 million.
Technically, one of Guirassy’s strengths is his ability to receive the ball with his back to the opposition goal before changing direction or looking to link up with his advancing teammates. The Guinean striker also has good technique and ball handling ability to get past opponents.
Guirassy (in white) is the best striker in the Bundesliga this season with 15 goals for Stuttgart in 9 matches. Photo: AFP
With such a striker, Arsenal can attack more directly. Arteta currently has two options for the central striker position, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, but neither of them really have the physicality of a top-class number 9. Jesus is good at moving wide, linking up with the midfield. The Brazilian recently admitted that he is not good at scoring goals, while Nketiah is quick, good at pressing and better suited to counter-attacking football.
According to Sunsport , if this deal is made, when needed, Arsenal can play two strikers, with Guirassy playing as a center forward and Jesus moving wider.
"If Arsenal fail to sign any quality players in the transfer window, they will be at risk of challenging for the title," Sunsport commented. "If they want to continue to compete and chase rivals such as Man City, Arsenal need to maximise what they can from their squad. This means strengthening key positions, as outlined above, to ensure Arsenal are capable of playing against a variety of teams and systems. These three signings could be the difference between winning the title and finishing second again."
Hong Duy
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