The Hard Tackle lists five players Arsenal should scout at UEFA Euro 2024, as Mikel Arteta has multiple requirements to strengthen his squad.
The UEFA Euro 2024 showdown is three days away from commencement, and there is already talk about who might go on to win the continental tournament. The star-studded affair naturally tends to focus on some of the big-name players, although many top clubs, including Arsenal, will be looking at some of those lesser-known performers who could potentially grace their side.
The issue with a summer window consisting of a big tournament delays many transfer dealings. In the case of the Euros, some top clubs are looking at players participating in the continental showdown, and Arsenal are one of those keen on some of these players.
On a positive note, these summer tournaments also allow clubs a chance to take a closer look at some of their reported targets before making a concerted decision. While many have advised, and to good effect, that clubs should never prioritise players based on their performances in tournaments, it won’t harm should a team like Arsenal decide to take a look.
The Gunners are in the market to strengthen a few of their key positions in the squad ahead of the new season. Mikel Arteta has built a strong enough squad for it to require only serious additions, and nothing in bulk is needed at the moment. A defender, midfielder and wide forward is what the Arsenal boss wants to add, and there are some names he should watch closely at the Euros.
Some of these names are strongly linked with Arsenal, while the others are merely suggestions that would help them strengthen their squad.
Antonio Silva
The Benfica defender might have had a difficult 2023/24 season. But he remains a big part of Roberto Martinez’s plans and his first-choice centre-back in a three-person unit. Other clubs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid, are challenging Antonio Silva’s signature. Meanwhile, as the tournament begins, the centre-back will likely start the game against Czechia.
Arsenal should take a closer look at him, as Arteta still wants a talented defender to compete with the formidable William Saliba. That right-sided defensive position lacks the required cover, and Silva could be a solid addition.
They can get a closer look at him during the continental showdown, as Arteta can then decide on whether to pursue the rather expensive defender or not. In any case, Silva is a talented defender, coveted by many top clubs. Arsenal should put themselves in the race, depending on how impressed he is during the Euros.
Brian Brobbey
With the protracted chase of Benjamin Sesko coming to an end with the forward extending his contract at RB Leipzig, which might have seen the German side get rid of the release clause, Arsenal are still looking for a young striker. Fans might suggest they sign Victor Osimhen instead or some other marquee sharpshooter, which may not happen as the club are looking for a younger striker.
There were some weaknesses in Brian Brobbey’s game, probably from the opposing side of things. But Arsenal should really consider lending their focus to the young striker. He has been suitable for Ajax despite a difficult season for the Dutch giants and may get ample chances to impress during the Euros.
He fits into the idea of bringing in a competitive young forward who can challenge the established order of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for a place. He could also get the minutes Arteta probably wanted to give Eddie Nketiah last season, as the third-choice striker will leave the Gunners in the close season.
Viktor Tsygankov
Viktor Tsygankov was one of the most impressive players in La Liga in the past season, as he helped Girona to a UEFA Champions League spot for the upcoming campaign. While his compatriot Artem Dobvyk took the accolades for his Golden Boot-winning performances, Tysgankov cannot be disregarded.
Many believe Girona would not have had a season of that quality without Tsygankov, and this is a hard-working player that top clubs, especially Arsenal, should consider. He does have some links to the Premier League. But after the Euros, those connections could get more concrete.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are looking to add a new winger to cover for their current top crop, as Arteta feels Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side clearly needs intense competition. They should watch the winger play with a competitive Ukraine squad, which also consists of former target Mykhailo Mudryk.
Ferdi Kadioglu
Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Ferdi Kadiopglu, but some sources have distanced the Gunners for the time being. The Fenerbahce defender brings something that Arteta craves to have in his squad, which is absolute versatility from the full-back position.
Kadioglou can play on either flank with ease and fit well with Arteta’s fluid ideas for his squad. Even if they had an interest, they might have wanted to wrap up a move early on or wait to watch him further at the Euros, and doing the latter would benefit them.
Kadioglou can see himself as a big part of this generational Turkish team that hopes to have a competitive tournament over Germany. Whether or not Arsenal watch him, the versatile defender will have a few suitors keeping constant tabs on his displays at the Euros.
Amadou Onana
This is the most obvious choice for a player to scout, and Arsenal will make sure they have all eyes on him during Belgium’s games at the Euros. The Everton man remains heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates, with many sources even suggesting talks have begun between the two clubs.
From whatever Arsenal scouts may have seen of Onana so far, the Euros do give them a significant opportunity to fine-tune their vision for the midfielder that Arteta needs. There are plenty of other targets that are playing in the continental tournament. But Onana may get the required attention from the Gunners.
The others include Youssouf Fofana and Martin Zubimendi, while a few more names might crop up as the tournament progresses. Among those, as things stand, Onana is a big target for Arteta, as he should take a closer look at his performances for Belgium.
