There’s been a roar of excitement at the Emirates Stadium since the arrival of new manager Unai Emery. The former PSG coach has already brought in new additions to power up the squad before the start of the new season.
Arsenal snapped up Juventus right-back Stephan Lichsteiner on a free transfer and they also completed a deal for Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno for a reported fee of £19.3m.
Now, it goes without saying that Emery must make a strong first impression in his debut campaign. Arsenal have managed to finish only in Europa League spots for two consecutive years, meaning Emery has quite a task ahead of him.
To truly make an impact, the manager must make a few more signings before the season kicks off. Since Stoke City’s relegation to the Championship, Xherdan Shaqiri is expected to leave the club this summer. The Swiss international is currently representing his country at the World Cup in Russia.
Shaqiri was one of the Potters’ shining lights in a dreadful season. The 26-year-old made 36 appearances in the league last term, scoring 8 goals and providing 7 assists. He has also scored 1 goal in 2 games at the World Cup so far. The Switzerland star was often pulling the strings for the Potters in the middle of the park and has the potential to be an innovator for the rest of the squad. Although midfielder’s efforts were not enough to keep Stoke in the Premier League, they didn’t go unnoticed.
Arsenal need some serious help on their wings. The Gunners haven’t been able to replace Alexis Sanchez, who departed to Manchester United in January. Shaqiri operates as a pure winger and he could fill the void right away.
Shaqiri’s low centre of gravity makes it hard to take the ball off him. He is great during one-on-one situations and is impressive at taking set-pieces. Yes, he may be a bit selfish but Arsenal need not rely merely on his efforts.
Arsenal must work as a unit, which will enable them to cope with a bit of solo play. And honestly, wingers do get the benefit of the doubt. After all, that’s what makes them goalscorers.
Hence, Shaqiri would be a perfect squad player for the team, and under Emery, the player could unleash his full potential.
He has been in a rich vein of form for his country in Russia so far and the player’s value could inflate, depending on his performances. Liverpool are also said to be interested in the 26-year-old.
Given his skills, Emery should sign him but negotiations will probably have to wait until the end of the World Cup. It would be a smart signing from the club, who must return to their best in the near future.
