Connect with us

Arsenal

Euro’s group stage stars – Seven players that Arsenal should target

As the group stage of the Euros comes to an end, we have some time to breathe before the Round of 16. There are several players that have stood out in the tournament so far.

Arsenal could benefit from targeting some of them to improve their squad. Some names may be familiar but there are some hidden gems that have emerged in this tournament.

So, here are seven talents that can go a long way in enhancing the Gunners’ squad. With the transfer window upon us, we might start seeing some movement soon and it could be for one of the players on this list.

Manuel Locatelli – Italy

A name that has already been linked with the north London club, the Sassuolo midfielder would be a great addition. Similar to the role he plays for his country, Locatelli can be used to control the central midfield.

The 23-year-old would be the perfect foil for Thomas Partey and can help bring the best out of the Ghanaian. Technically skilled and able to make the right tackle, the Italian would be a hit in the Premier League.

But with Juventus also interested in the player, it might be tough for the Gunners to lure him to England. If they do, it would be a great bit of business.

Stefan Lainer – Austria

A right-back may become necessary should Hector Bellerin move away. The Austrian has a wealth of experience and could be a good fit.

Lainer has the discipline needed to guard his flank but can be an asset when it comes to helping out the attack. Having already scored at the tournament, the full-back has shown what he brings to a team.

The one sticking point might be the players’ age, as he turns 29 very soon. But for the Gunners, if they are looking for a short-term fix, this is the way to go.

Roman Yaremchuk – Ukraine

The 25-year-old has already scored two goals and is leading Ukraine’s charge along with Andriy Yarmolenko. Should the north Londoners look for a deputy to captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gent striker could be an option.

Strong in the air and able to hold up the ball, the forward’s style could be to the liking of Mikel Arteta. Yaremchuk has an eye for goal and that makes him quite a threat.

After spending four years in Belgium, the Ukrainian might be interested in a new challenge. Though his price might have gone up by the time the Euros end, the striker brings a lot to an attack.

Mykola Matviyenko – Ukraine

Another Ukrainian, Mykola is a versatile defender and can play as a centre-back as well as a left-back. The latter is what will intrigue the Gunners the most, as they are looking for a backup for Kieran Tierney.

Under the guidance of international manager Andriy Shevchenko, Matviyenko has proven to be a revelation. He is pacey, strong in the tackle, is reasonably good on the ball, and uses it intelligently.

The number of left-footed defenders at the Emirates stadium might make the north Londoners hesitant to sign the 25-year-old. But as someone who can also slot in as a full-back, the player might be worth a punt.

Stole Dimitrievski – North Macedonia

His country may have lost all three of their group matches, but the keeper was one of their shining lights. The 27-year-old would be an ideal backup to Bernd Leno.

With Mat Ryan having returned after his loan spell, the Gunners should turn their sights to the Rayo Vallecano shot-stopper. He is one of the reasons why the Macedonians were able to put up a fight against tough opposition.

He has a strong command over his box and the ability to react quickly make Dimitrievski an interesting option. Having a good second-choice keeper is necessary and the Macedonia international could be the right man to fill that role.

Alexander Isak – Sweden

Though the forward is yet to score at the Euros, he has been one of Sweden’s best players. After impressing for two seasons in Spain with Real Sociedad, it could be time for a move.

At the age of 21, Isak will cost a fortune but has already shown his prowess. Convincing Sociedad to let go of their striker would be difficult but it appears that Arsenal are considering a move. With the skillset to become a complete forward, the Swede would be a quality addition to Arteta’s attack.

Renato Sanches – Portugal

After a failed spell in the Premier League with Swansea City, the midfielder has reinvented himself in France with Lille and has taken that excellent form to the Euros.

Sanches is able to bring so much energy and urgency to the midfield, it helps make the defending champions stronger. They have looked much better with the 23-year-old’s passing and dribbling.

Perhaps a return to England will go much better if the Emirates club make a move for him. The thought of the Portuguese star along with Partey in central midfield is a mouth-watering idea.

Arsenal News View:

All the names mentioned above can help improve the squad in different ways and that makes them good choices. Some would cost a lot so; it is difficult to predict if the Gunners would consider making a move.

But one thing clear is that the north Londoners need some smart decisions in the transfer market. This might include buying certain players that are seen as expensive but would be good investments for the future.

There is a long way left to go this summer and we might have to wait for the Euros to get over before moves start materialising. But laying the groundwork for potential transfers would help the Gunners get ahead of other teams.

Arsenal may face competition to sign some of the players on this list but that is expected. If they do sign one or more, the squad will be getting an injection of quality.

More in Arsenal