Antoine Griezmann

It’s an understatement to say that the 2019/20 season has been a disappointment. Mikel Arteta needs time to rebuild and shape his own side though and some of the names linked with moves to the Emirates give Arsenal fans a glimmer of hope for the future. Here we look at five of the most intriguing links. Number 5. Thiago Silva Yes, his age, 35, is a massive downside to any potential deal to bring the former PSG man in but his experience could be invaluable. The Gunners have lacked a leader and dominating presence at the back for years now. Silva would bring both those qualities in abundance along with the ability to help the likes of William Saliba and Rob Holding develop. Several clubs in England are linked with a move for the Brazilian centre back but compatriot David Luiz could play a big role in who Silva picks as his next club. Let’s just hope Luiz doesn’t make a hash of things… Number 4. Memphis Depay Forget the man who flopped at Manchester United. Sure, seven goals in 53 appearances for United is a woeful return but make no mistake about it, Depay is a player who can deliver straight from the top drawer. Since switching Old Trafford for Lyon he has proven it. He’s racked up 134 appearances and had a hand in 96 goals - scoring 53 and laying on another 43. A cruciate injury has hampered him this campaign but rumours of £45m price tag should excite Gunners regardless. A fit and firing Depay will repay that fee – and quickly too. Number 3. Antoine Griezmann Talking of flops, after such a dramatic transfer saga that saw Barcelona threatened with legal action by Griezmann’s former club Atletico Madrid, it’s fair to say things haven’t worked out for the Frenchman at the Nou Camp. He’s averaged a goal involvement every 2.5 games, which isn’t atrocious but is hardly value for money when he cost £107m! If you get the Griezmann who bagged 133 in 257 for Atletico though then wow. You’d have one hell of a player. Besides, Griezmann seems a fan of the Gunners as he has been seen playing with Arsenal team on Football Manager and Pro Evolution Soccer. The downside to this rumour? It would see Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Matteo Guendouzilikely head to Spain. Number 2. Dominik Szoboszlai Hungarian international Szoboszlai is only 19 years old but he’s already attracting a lot of headlines. He currently plies his trade for RB Salzburg but a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues is absolutely nailed on for this summer. He can play on the right of midfield, left, centre or in a more advanced attacking role. It simply doesn’t matter, he just produces the goods with a sprinkling of real technical quality. This season alone he’s provided 17 assists and found the net 11 times but with better quality around him, he’ll thrive even more. Szoboszlaiwon’t cost the earth either with a modest £24m release clause in his contract. The trouble will be a wage war as Italian duo AC Milan and Napoli have already been linked whilst Everton and, perhaps more worryingly, Liverpool are rumoured to be interested too. Number 1. Thomas Partey Atletico midfielder Partey has been a long term target for the Arsenal hierarchy. This summer though looks like they’ll finally land him. He gets about the pitch, with the strength of a horse in the Kentucky Derby picks, winning duels and mopping up loose balls with a tackle and aerial success rate both around the 70% mark. He also contributes a combined average of four blocks, clearances and interceptions per 90 minutes. More than just being a destroyer though, Partey is also a very good footballer who has the ability to carry and distribute the ball with accuracy. He’ll make a huge impact on Arteta’s side and could be a real catalyst for change moving forwards. There you have it, five players who might don the mighty red and white next season. Who else are you tipping to move to the Emirates?

Antoine Griezmann

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