Arsenal improved upon their excellent defensive record of 2022/23 with an even better showing the following campaign, conceding the fewest goals of any side in the league at just 29. David Raya was brought into the starting XI and earned the Golden Glove award.
The club also invested £38million in Jurrien Timber, who was showing plenty of promise in pre-season; however, an ACL injury meant he would miss all but the first and final game of the season. Despite this, the club still competed for the title and finished the season with that impressive defensive record.
As the club looks to go again next season, both the defence and goalkeeper areas are in line for potential signings. Departures in both areas are expected to prompt the club into making some choices about who should come in as football.london takes a look at what a dream window might look like.
Jorrel Hato signed
Ajax superstar defender Jorrel Hato has been on the club’s radar for some time and football.london understands that interest has not diminished much despite the Netherlands international signing a new deal. He was not called up to be part of Ronald Koeman’s squad for the European Championships, opening the door to greater freedom when it comes to a move this summer, and adding the incentive to make the next step in his career to give him even more chance of a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Arsenal need to raise the floor of their side and a player like Hato, despite his young age of just 18, certainly adds the progressive passing quality Mikel Arteta craves. Hato is also a very good defensive player for someone so early in their development
Oleksandr Zinchenko sold
One player who looks to have lost a consistent place in the side is Oleksandr Zinchenko. A big indication that the club are open to a sale of the Ukrainian is the fact he has just two years remaining on his contract and so far there is no understanding that talks have opened about an extension; that could of course change, but for now at least there seems a possibility for a sale.
The sale of Zinchenko, I would estimate for upwards of £20million, would help offset the investment in a player like Hato. Timber also showed some great talent in the left-back role against Man City in the Community Shield and would surely be above Zinchenko in the pecking order too.
Justin Bijlow arrives
In goal, Aaron Ramsdale’s expected departure and the permanent acquisition of David Raya for £27million appear the inevitable scenario for the club. This of course means a need to bring in a candidate to fill the number two slot goalkeeper and also challenge the Spaniard.
This is one of the hardest positions to fill in any top side and Manchester City managed to land a dream option in Stefan Ortega – so often are these signings players who the majority are even aware of. Justin Bijlow could be exactly that for Arsenal, a potential £10million signing of a good goalkeeper who offers plenty of quality and depth to Raya, an ideal option.
