There is an air of freshness around the Emirates since the arrival of Unai Emery in the summer. The departure of Arsene Wenger was a sad reality but it had to be done. The Frenchman will always be remembered for his efforts and achievements at Arsenal, especially his work to become the only manager to go a whole season unbeaten in English football. But the club needed a change after all this time and change was what they got.
New manager Unai Emery will now be looking to turn this Arsenal squad into real title contenders. The manager has a vast amount of experience, winning trophies and accolades with every club he’s managed. He also lifted the Europa League three consecutive times with his former club Sevilla. The Spanish coach also won the treble with PSG last season. It is clearly evident that he was going to want to make changes to the squad and play a team that he prefers.
The manager has already completed the signing of Juventus right-back Stephan Lichsteiner for free. The 33-year-old will join up with the Arsenal squad on July 1. Arsenal are also reportedly in the market for a central midfielder. The futures of players like Jack Wilshere are more than uncertain and if he does decide to leave, Emery is going to need backup.
The club have been linked with CSKA Moscow midfielder Aleksandr Golovin, who has been making a name for himself across Europe this summer. The midfielder is representing Russia in this summer’s World Cup and he scored a peach of a free-kick against Saudi Arabia in the tournament opener.
He made 26 appearances in the Russian Premier League this season, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists. The Russian international is widely regarded for his technical ability on the ball, which would make him a perfect suit for the club.
His dribbling ability is exceptional, and the player is also capable of taking thunderous long-range shots. These are the kind of qualities Arsenal always look for in a player since the days of Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp.
CSKA Moscow are reportedly willing to part ways with the player for a fee of around €25million. Arsenal should surely have the player in mind, considering the fact that he scored a sublime free kick against them in the Europa League this season.
Strengthening the midfield should be Emery’s priority this summer. Emery should try to get the deal done for Golovin as soon as possible because the player’s value could rise after the World Cup and there could be more teams chasing him. It would be best for Arsenal to tie him up as soon as possible.
