Arsenal and Liverpool must have a transfer window worthy enough of ‘champions’ to succeed in their quest to win trophies.
One might naturally dismiss winning the UEFA Europa League as a second-tier tournament. In truth, fans would not bother if their team, in this case Liverpool, were eliminated in the next phase. Arsenal fans felt just like those of their Liverpool counterparts, yet Mikel Arteta took it seriously and potentially lost out on the Premier League title.
Some Arsenal fans are still moaning about that Sporting CP game where William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu suffered season-ending injuries that eventually cost them the Premier League title. Hence, for teams, all remaining participation in different competitions will represent a chance to win trophies, and they must strengthen their sides to compete at the highest level.
Liverpool and Arsenal played an entertaining draw at Anfield on Saturday, keeping the Gunners on top of the Premier League. The result must have felt like a victory for Arteta, but Klopp might have felt the effects of consecutive draws against big teams at their home venue.
One crucial and very noticeable problem for both sides was their defensive depth or lack of it. Arsenal and Liverpool desperately need players to add to the backline and have the ability to bring open players to share the burden with regular starters.
While that part of the squad needs apparent reinforcements, these two clubs should take a more serious approach in the January transfer window to strengthen their respective groups. Signing all transfer targets poses a challenge for either side, considering the difficulties in finding suitable profiles and convincing them.
Yet, this is a challenge the top two of the Premier League must accept and make a concerted effort to dethrone Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side have faced their share of difficulties in repeating last season’s success, and they will find the best possible solutions in the transfer window.
Manchester City are in a ruthless position to get what they want at the expense of some of the non-performers in the last six months. Despite languishing in fifth spot after Gameweek 18, the majority are still pinning Guardiola’s side to catch up and make their rivals pay by lifting the Premier League crown.
Hence, Arsenal and Liverpool must strengthen while they are ahead and if they want to stay there. Passing the opportunity in this upcoming window can impact their season and ability to challenge for the elusive Premier League crown appropriately.
Arsenal
With the help of Edu Gaspar, Mikel Arteta has had a wonderful few transfer windows and made the most of the opportunities last summer. Arsenal’s signings in the close season have been superb, barring Jurrien Timber, who unfortunately saw his season ending by a knee injury on opening day.
Declan Rice and Kai Havertz have changed how they play, as Arsenal have more ‘control’ in games than ever before. Arteta certainly needs a defender, as he does not trust Jakub Kiwior. That left side of the pitch looks vulnerable and puts Oleksandr Zinchenko at risk of burnout.
They have seen links to Goncalo Inacio, which shows they are keen on pushing ahead with a left-sided centre-back with qualities to cover even at the left-back. Takehiro Tomiyasu will also return and bring the necessary depth at the back.
Yet, there are other areas which Arsenal must recognise ahead of this transfer window. Despite numerous links to a new midfielder, Arteta must ensure he brings someone of quality. One thing about Thomas Partey is that he cannot be trusted anymore to stay fit for concerted periods, and secondly, they must plan beyond Jorginho if the chance arrives.
The idea behind the new midfielder must have ‘control’ written all over it, as Arteta would want someone who can complement Arsenal’s vision to increase their domination in games. Then, Arteta must focus on the attacking side of things and bring a new way forward to complement Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Yesterday was the first time in two years that Gabriel Martinelli felt like a young winger in two years. His inability to release prevented #Arsenal retaining control in the final third and allowed Liverpool that quick release. Decision making needs to improve quickly. #AFC pic.twitter.com/Bs8OX3DqPL
— Adam Keys (@adamkeys_) December 24, 2023
Praising Martinelli and Saka when they perform on point is always easy. However, when they falter with their displays, does Arteta have anyone to replace their impact on the pitch? Reiss Nelson has bags of talent, but without actual game time, it isn’t easy to see the manager placing his trust in him to start games.
Leandro Trossard is ahead and will start regularly if needed. Yet, in truth, Arsenal desperately need to revive the pursuit of Pedro Neto to solve this problem. The Portuguese international has this reputation as an injury-prone player, but he has only suffered his latest hamstring problem months after recovering from an ACL problem.
Arsenal must not heed those narratives, as Arteta and Edu have long rated Neto as a viable target. Of course, there are concerns about his injury history. Still, things can definitely change, and Neto deserves his chance, for he is the perfect player who can cover and compete with Saka and Martinelli on either flank.
Liverpool
Much like Arsenal, Liverpool need new defenders for sure. A centre-back became necessary once Joel Matip suffered his ACL injury, but the Merseysiders also need more than just a defender in January. The Cameroonian’s absence for the remainder of the season does change their dynamics at the back, but they should put only some of their eggs in this particular basket.
The absence of Robertson did cause concerns for Klopp recently, but now the broken collarbone of Kostas Tsimikas could bring Liverpool in for a full-back signing. They also do not have a big covering option for Trent Alexander-Arnold, although Joe Gomez can do a job there.
Gomez also replaced Tsimikas at left-back after his injury against Arsenal. But what happens when one of the central defenders has to go off in a crunch game? Would Klopp trust a young Jarell Quansah to play in that game state? No, he would call on Gomez instead.
Hence, a move for a central defender and a full-back seems imperative for Liverpool. But their most crucial need before the Matip injury remained in midfield. Despite offering mega bucks to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, the pair chose an ill-fated Chelsea adventure over a title challenge at Merseyside.
💪 Joao Palhinha has made at least 19 more tackles (78) than any other player in the Premier League this season pic.twitter.com/fdoV7TY9Nd
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) December 24, 2023
Liverpool’s offer for Caicedo did force them to show their hand in the deal, meaning they have the money to bring in a top-draw name. Klopp must prioritise a new defensive midfielder in January if the Merseysiders are serious about a title challenge.
Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister can do a decent job, but they are different from the stars Liverpool can sustain a title challenge upon. Bringing in a new holding midfielder must become their priority in January, which could also free Mac Allister to play his natural game in a more advanced role.
Endo can be that quality backup to help see out games. While this is a blueprint, much will depend on how much money Liverpool is willing to spend in January. Those three signings are necessary if they are keen to sustain a proper title challenge and may even challenge the Europa League title.
