Three free-agent transfer no-brainers Arsenal must consider including World Cup winner
The transfer window might have closed, but that does not stop teams from making signings. Premier League rules dictate that squad registrations must be ahead of the resumption of the competition on September 14.
There remain several players who are out of contract and without a club having not yet committed their futures anywhere. Arsenal allowed many players to leave before deadline day and despite the arrival of Raheem Sterling strengthening the forward options, Reiss Nelson’s loan to Fulham brought the numbers back to the six attackers they had following Eddie Nketiah’s confirmed sale to Crystal Palace.
Mikel Merino and Gabriel Jesus are both currently out injured while Declan Rice remains suspended for the North London Derby following his red card against Brighton.
Adrien Rabiot
World Cup winner and France international Adrien Rabiot left Juventus in the summer and remains without a new team. Manchester United have been linked with a potential move for a few years now and continue to be amid heightened scrutiny on their midfield – in particular on Casemiro.
With Merino out with a fractured shoulder, Rice suspended and Thomas Partey always vulnerable to injuries, Rabiot could add some needed depth to this Arsenal squad. A player rated so highly that Didier Deschamps has the faith to continue using his for the national side could potentially bring something that Arteta could utilise across the expanded number of games this season.
Memphis Depay
Another link to Manchester United – this time one of their former players – comes in the form of Memphis Depay. Having left Atletico Madrid, the Netherlands international who remains part of Ronald Koeman’s plans is yet to find a new team, although Sevilla appear the most likely potential destination at present.
With Eddie Nketiah having left and no striker brought in with Jesus out injured currently, Depay could be a shrewd addition to the squad on a short-term deal and bring back one of the Premier League’s more disappointing Dutch imports of the past for a chance at redemption. He can also cover in wide roles, making him an even more useful asset to Arteta.
Yusuf Yazici
Lastly is a more left-field pick in former Lille attacker and Turkish international Yusuf Yazici. The forward has been linked with Arsenal in the past following some decent seasons in France but has now left and is yet to pick his new destination, despite reported talks with Nuno Tavares’ Lazio.
He managed 12 goals and four assists, of which six goals and three assists came playing in attacking midfield. After Fabio Vieira left on loan, there is a real sense of thinness in the attacking midfield area and perhaps the added versatility could bring plenty of variability to Arteta’s attacking options.
