Arsenal finished the season on a high by beating Everton 5-1 but that win has not been enough to secure Champions League football. The Gunners have done some great work this season but they now need to get things right in the transfer market if they want to finish in the top-four next season.
Arsenal did not sign any players in January and according to ex-PL keeper Paddy Kenny, the Gunners need to bring in some experienced players for the upcoming campaign.
He tells Football Insider: “They need an experienced head in there.
“Maybe one or two players who have been there and done it. I think that is what has let them down in these last few weeks.
“There were no calm heads on the pitch against Tottenham or Newcastle, they lost their cool completely which was disappointing and a huge development.
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“In those moments you need a calm head to settle everything down and I don’t think Arsenal have that. If they are going to go one better next season and get into the top-four, that is exactly what I would do.
“Go out and sign someone who has won the big competitions, the Champions League. That will work.”
Arsenal have some profound young talents on their books but these players need big pedigree teammates so that these youngsters get guidance on the pitch. Arteta is doing his best on the training grounds but players like Saka and Emile Smith Rowe need leaders on the pitch as well.
The Gunners have lost several close encounters this season but that wouldn’t have been the case if they had players with big-match experience.
Every other top-six team has a blend of youth and experience and until Arsenal follow in those same footsteps, they will always fall short.
Granit Xhaka is the only visible leader on the pitch so Mikel Arteta will have to bring in at least one or two big-name players in the summer. Yes, these signings will inflate the club’s wage bill but their experience can be the catalyst for Arsenal to move onto the next level.
AC Milan is the perfect example this season where a 40-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic has helped them win the Serie A.
