Three players Arsenal could sign before deadline day as Arteta looks to fix dismal start

It has been an unusual summer for Arsenal, with the club having to come to terms with what was nothing short of a sub-par 2020/21 campaign, but also looking to improve this season.

In their efforts to ensure they do exactly that, the Gunners have signed Albert Sambi Lokonga, Martin Odegaard, Nuno Tavares, Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White for a combined fee of £140 million.

While sceptics criticised the huge fees that the club paid, many were quick to point out that the squad was in need of overhaul.

However, after spending such a vast figure over the summer, manager Mikel Arteta is now expected to produce results.

Therefore, two defeats from their opening two Premier League games, without scoring a goal, has left the Spaniard seemingly edging closer to the exit door.

A shock 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Brentford in what was the Bees’ first ever Premier League game was followed up by a defeat by the same scored against London rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

It’s been a tough start for Arsenal.

Now, with a week to go until the transfer window slams shut until January, Arteta may be forced to delve into the market once more.

Here are three players that the club could still sign before the August 31 deadline.

Kieran Trippier

The England full-back had been heavily linked with Manchester United for the most part of the summer, and continues to do so. However, Arsenal have also recently emerged as potential suitors for the 30-year-old, who has apparently made clear his intentions to return to his homeland.

According to The Sun, the Gunners have revived their interest in the experienced defender, but are still unwilling to meet current club Atletico Madrid’s demands.

The report suggests that Arsenal were originally keen on the former Spurs man a month ago, but were told that he wouldn’t be sold unless his £34 million release clause was met.

Now, after a horror start to the domestic season, it appears that the North London side are back in the frame for Trippier’s signature.

Arsenal have already signed a right-back this summer in Tavares who arrived from Benfica for around £8 million, but with Hector Bellerin seemingly on his way out, Trippier could be a useful asset for Arteta.

The Spaniard, who has spent almost a decade in the capital, is reportedly keen on leaving Arsenal in search of a new challenge and has been heavily linked to Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite Atletico’s reluctance to sell Trippier, the Englishman has failed to start either of the defending La Liga champions’ opening two games of the new season.

This, coupled with the fact that he is entering into the final twelve months of his current contract, are what makes Arsenal believe that they may be able to reduce Atleti’s price tag.

The report suggests that the Spanish side would consider a swap deal for Trippier involving either Alexander Lacazette or Piere-Emerick Aubameyang, but that this is also unlikely as Arteta doesn’t have a replacement striker ready.

Alexander Isak

Swedish youngster Isak impressed for his country at Euro 2020 and was the subject of a lot of speculation in the day after the tournament.

The 21-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, who were reportedly looking for a replacement for Lacazette.

However, speculation soon cooled around a potential move, as it looked increasingly likely that Lacazette would stay in the capital.

Isak was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal after impressing for Sweden at Euro 2020.

Now, Football London highlight how the young striker, who averaged a goal every other game for Real Sociedad last term, could still be on his way to the Emirates.

The report states that, while Arsenal are now considered outsiders for the Swede’s signature, their hopeless start to the season could encourage them to move for the striker, who could prove to be a long term solution up front.

Houssem Aouar

As per The Sun, Lyon midfielder has been holding out for a move to Arsenal this summer.

The Frenchman, who was reportedly left stunned by the club’s apparent pursuit of James Maddison, was the subject of a rejected £40 million by the Premier League side last summer.

While Arsenal are believed to be long term admirers of the player, the recent arrival of Martin Odegaard on a permanent basis may appease the club’s need for Aouar.

With Granit Xhaka also expected to sign a contract extension and Thomas Partey staying with the club, Arteta may choose to prioritise other areas of the pitch, rather than pursuing Aouar.

Arsenal’s difficult start to the season promises to only get more challenging as the Gunners face Manchester City next weekend before the international break.

With Lacazette poised to return after isolation and Aubameyang in line for a first start of the season, could Arteta’s side prove the doubters wrong and kickstart their campaign at the Etihad?