)
The retired footballer states that the Gunners should undergo surgery in order to create right balance.
Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has identified areas that Mikel Arteta should strengthen in order for the club to become more competitive next season.
With William Saliba not available due to injury, Arsenal have struggled, and recent results show how exposed they are at the back. They have conceded – and lost points – in their matches against Liverpool, West Ham United, Southampton, and Manchester City.
In Saliba’s absence, Rob Holding has been trusted but has endured quite a torrid time. For this, Gallas has identified the defensive unit as one that needs to be bolstered.
"Next season, Arsenal will play in the Champions League. That is a big competition that everyone wants to play in. I think that Arsenal need to add one experienced player at the back," Gallas said, as quoted by Metro.
"You want that player to create competition within the squad and put pressure on William Saliba and Gabriel. You also want that player to help William Saliba and Gabriel improve because they are both still young and they can improve parts of their game."
)
15:15 - 20.04.2023
FOOTBALL Arteta offers worrying update on Saliba ahead of Southampton clash
The defender is set to miss again as Arsenal face Southampton.
If Arteta signs more defenders, Gallas argues it will help them deal with more assignments next season, especially the Champions League.
"After that, you’re looking for Arteta to make sure that he finds the right balance and can rotate the squad to handle the demands of competing in the Champions League and the Premier League," he added.
Apart from central defence, Arsenal need fullbacks, the retired French defender continued. Kieran Tierney could leave the Emirates this season while Takehiro Tomiyasu has played a bit-part role this season as he keeps struggling with injuries.
)
08:00 - 27.04.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE ‘Arsenal result is not decisive in title race’ - Guardiola
City produced a masterclass to overwhelm the league leaders and win big at the Etihad.
"If you look at the left back, I’m not sure what will happen with Kieran Tierney in the summer, but if he leaves, then they will need to add another player that can come in and compete with [Oleksandr] Zinchenko," he concluded.
"He needs to be under more pressure. I don’t think he is a brilliant defender – but we all know what he can do with the ball. You also need a top class right back.
"This season, Ben White has helped out there, and it works against the smaller teams. However, when the level is higher, it is much more difficult for him to get forward and so he makes more mistakes defensively."
Arsenal will play Chelsea next and will need to get back to winning ways in order to improve their title winning chances after recent setbacks.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)