Grading Arsenal’s summer transfer market

Here is an early season report card on our four new signings at Arsenal..

Kai Havertz: There are a lot of opinions about Kai Havertz after the first four games in the Premier League. Most of those opinion are negative, a few are positive and there are still people on the fence. I am on the fence but leaning to the positive side. Havertz is coming into a new club, with a new system, new tactics, new teammates and a new manager. He is playing as a midfielder, while at Chelsea he played more as a winger or false nine. Yes, there are going to be some learning curves, and yes, I think he will greatly improve as the season moves on. My recommendation to Mikel Arteta is to give him more time in training before putting him back ion the starting XI. Fabio Vieira is better suited for Havertz’s role at this point in the season. I will give Havertz a C after four games.

Jurrien Timber: The injury to Jurrien Timber was devastating to the player, the club and the supporters. It was so obvious Timber was going to play a major role this season for the Gunners. He came out of the box quickly as a fullback, and before the injury he showed all of us that his preseason hype and value were warranted. From what I saw early on, Timber deserves a solid B.

David Raya: I can’t give David Raya any grade because he hasn’t played, except for a behind-close-door scrimmage v Luton Town. When he is finally given his chance, Raya will be a tremendous addition to the Arsenal squad. Will Arteta start him in the Champions League and Carabao Cup matches, or will he be given an opportunity to shine in the Premier League? As they say, only time will tell.

Declan Rice: If I had one dollar for every word written about Declan Rice after joining Arsenal I would be a very wealthy man. I mean, what more can you say? He is living up to his press clippings and to all of the great things the pundits and commentators are saying about the player. His winning goal on Sunday was the icing on the cake. Rice seems to be the midfield’s glue, and  has proven to be a solid attacking midfielder, as well as a defending one. Rice is Gaspar Edu and Arteta’s best signing during their tenure with the club. His value to the club, on and off the pitch, will be invaluable. I will give him an early A.

Overall, Arsenal had a terrific transfer market!

Here’s a quick reminder of all the moves the club made…

New signings: Rice, Havertz, Raya and Timber

Going on loan: Tierney, Lokonga, Runarsson, Tavares, Okonkwo and Marquinhos

Saying goodbye: Maitland-Niles, Mari, Xhaka, Holding, Trusty, Balogun, Turner

And could still go: Pepe and Soares

Overall, I would give Arsenal’s summer transfer market a grade of B+.

COYG!

Gunner1953