Unai Emery’s Arsenal reign has started in a positive manner. An unbeaten preseason campaign merged with the addition of several new signings has left Arsenal fans grinning from ear to ear. For the first time in close to a decade, there’s a sense of optimism in North London before the start of the season.
In the past, when Arsenal was linked to exciting players, fans would be hopeful but not expectant as Arsène Wenger’s list of players he nearly got is unmatched. Now the fans are hopeful whilst also expectant due to the club’s improved recruitment process.
Ousmane Dembélé is the latest player to be linked with the club and regardless of how true the links are, Arsenal must do all they can to bring Ousmane Dembélé to the Emirates, even if it’s just on loan!
Here’s why Arsenal should get Ousmane Dembélé at all costs.
Arsenal need a Wide Forward
Since arriving, Unai Emery has thoroughly scanned the squad Arsène Wenger left behind and significantly upgraded personnel. The signing of a right-back, centre-back & defensive midfielder has hit the spot nicely, but the balance of the squad is still crying out for a natural winger. It can be said that the Gunners don’t have one single natural winger at the club.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is naturally an attacking midfielder as is Mesut Özil, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is a striker, Danny Welbeck is a striker and Alex Iwobi plays better as an inside forward. Going into the season not having one player who could provide natural width on the flanks is almost suicidal. This, in turn, forces the team’s full-backs to play higher up the pitch, thus leaving acres of space in behind them.
Unai Emery also has an exceptional track record with young players, so the thought of seeing Ousmane Dembélé in an Arsenal shirt is an exciting prospect. At just 21 years of age, Dembélé still has a lot to learn in the game and Emery hands-on approach would mould him into one of the best players in the world.
Last summer, Ousmane Dembélé made a record-breaking move to the Nou Camp. The transfer sent shockwaves across the world with many feeling this was the launchpad for the Frenchman into the upper echelon of football.
In contrast, Dembélé had a season from hell. A lengthy time in the physio room derailed his progress so when he did eventually return, his performances weren’t befitting of his hefty price tag. The winger only made 20 appearances for the Catalonians last season, in which he only scored three goals.
A move to Arsenal would also allow the 21-year-old to reunite with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a man he refers to as his big brother. The duo has formulated a magical partnership at Borussia Dortmund and there’s no reason why they couldn’t recreate that chemistry at the Emirates. Ousmane Dembélé provides Arsenal width, creativity and a burst of energy down the flanks. For the Frenchman, it gives him an opportunity to revive his reputation in the most-watched league in the world.
