Arsenal have endured another disappointing season and will strive to improve their squad this summer.
For manager Mikel Arteta, it will be important to look at all possible options and pick talents who can improve the team. The global pandemic has created a situation across Europe where teams could be struggling with financial losses and the Gunners might take advantage of this aspect if they can splash the cash.
So, keeping that in mind, who are the players the north Londoners should target from La Liga?
Alvaro Odriozola
Hector Bellerin is likely to be on his way out of the club which opens up a slot for a new right-back at the Emirates stadium. One good choice would be the Spaniard who plays for Real Madrid.
Alvaro Odriozola is currently the second choice behind Dani Carvajal and that aspect could work in favour of the north London club. His game time will be limited at the Spanish club which wouldn’t be the case if he moves to the Emirates stadium.
Emerson Royal has been suggested as a possible option, but the Brazilian is edging closer to Barcelona. Keeping that in mind and the Gunners relationship with Madrid, this deal is a real possibility.
Uros Racic
The Serbian is not the most known player in the Spanish league but could be what the north Londoners need in midfield. A tall, mobile and technically gifted midfielder, the Valencia man would be the perfect foil for Thomas Partey.
After spending a couple of seasons out on loan, the Serbia international has become a mainstay in Valencia’s midfield this season. He has also proven to be a good replacement for Dani Parejo who had departed in the summer.
A deal for Racic will depend on who the Gunners are able to sell and the number of options they have left, in central midfield. But if they do go for him, it would be a shrewd purchase.
Kevin Rodrigues
As good as Kieran Tierney has been for the north Londoners, there is a need for a backup. If you were to look at the Spanish league, there aren’t too many players in this position who will be available in the summer.
The case with Rodrigues is a little different after his loan spell at Eibar. As the full-back isn’t the first-choice at Real Sociedad, it would be much easier getting a deal done for the 27-year-old.
Apart from being a great crosser, the left-back is adept at tackling and ensures his flank is protected at all times. These are qualities that would be necessary when playing for the Gunners so, it is a signing worth exploring.
Mikel Merino
Another member of Real Sociedad and one who already has experience of playing in the Premier League, with Newcastle United. Though his time in England wasn’t a success, he has been a revelation since coming back to Spain.
Merino has developed into a complete midfielder capable of breaking up attacks and allowing his teammates to play with more freedom. Crucially, he would complement the skills of Thomas Partey.
Prying him away from Sociedad will be tough as the Spaniard is one of their most valuable players. But if the midfielder were to have another spell in England, it will definitely be a success this time around.
Inigo Cordoba
The Athletic Bilbao winger has had a disappointing season having only made seven appearances which included a loan spell at Deportivo Alaves. But that shouldn’t take anything away from the talent that the 24-year-old has.
One of Cordoba’s best qualities is his versatility. Capable of playing across the midfield and attack, he can even slot in as a full-back.
This would make him a good addition to the Gunners squad as they can plug many gaps at once. Striking a deal with Bilbao would be easy to pull off as he’s not one of the first names on their team sheet.
SL View
One of the advantages of targeting players in the Spanish League is that they tend to be cheaper when compared to the Premier League. To sign any of the players mentioned above, Arsenal won’t need to spend big bucks and still address the shortcomings in the squad.
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