Arsenal has been a busy club during this transfer window, securing the services of Kai Havertz and looking to get deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber over the line. Gambling Zone sat down with former Arsenal star and pundit Alan Smith to discuss the club’s transfer activities, the future under Mikel Arteta, the legacy left behind by Arsene Wenger, and more.
Praise For The Kroenkes
Arsenal fans have been vocal over their issues with the Kroenkes in recent years, but Alan Smith believes the fanbase can have few complaints about the last few windows. He said that he believes the club have invested very wisely in recent years; “Arsenal generates money, and those funds have been made available for the manager, but the owner has certainly put his hand in his pocket, and I think that over the last couple of years, the money has been invested really wisely at the club.”
He was also full of praise for the club’s recruitment team, which former Arsenal midfielder Edu leads. He described the club’s signings as thoughtful and said that other clubs have wasted money when they have had it, whereas Arsenal have invested wisely.
Smith stated that he believes the Kroenke’s are investing so much in Arteta because they have faith in them to bring the club glory. He said, “The Kroenke’s certainly have faith in Arteta. There’s no question about that.” He praised the club for giving Arteta the space and authority needed to succeed and said that other owners might have gotten rid of a manager if they had a poor spell.
Expectations for the new season remain high. While they should battle for the title, Smith maintains that Arsenal’s minimum aim this season should be for the Champions League. He said that the club needs to stay at that level and remain a consistently strong, challenging side.
Smith is full of praise for Arsenal's owners
The Current Squad
Arsenal’s success last season was largely down to Mikel Arteta’s ability to build a dynamic squad that combined youthful energy with some experienced heads. Commenting on the squad, Smith said that all of the ingredients are in place for the club to be consistent challengers at the top of the league for the next four to five seasons.
Talking about the squad’s depth and attitude, he said The likes of Saka, Saliba and Martinelli, all those boys, they’ve got those few years of experience at the top level, and they should only improve from here on in. The future looks bright, and having the financial power to add to that with the likes of Declan Rice, who himself is still a young lad with his best years ahead of him. I think it’s looking very good.”
Smith also commented on the club’s striker selection. He discussed the signing of Kai Havertz, describing it as interesting and praised the recruitment department for managing to do the deal efficiently. He said it will be interesting to see how Arteta uses him, saying it’s possible he may use him in the Xhaka role, playing deeper and arriving late in the box.
On the other strikers at the club, Smith said: “A lot of people like Gabriel Jesus, and he’s a fine player, but is he a 25-goal season man? I think he’s got the potential to do that for Arsenal, and I hope he can become that. Eddie Nketiah is there as a backup, and it looks like Balogun might be on his way.”
On the rumours linking Balogun away, Smith said, “From Balogun’s point of view, he will be thinking more about how much game time he’s going to get. Given that he doesn’t want to go back out on loan, he may have to leave the football club. It’s always a shame when somebody has come through the ranks like that and does leave. There is every chance that he could go on and have a fantastic career elsewhere and score lots of goals.
Jesus can be 'a 25-goal a season striker'
The Arrival Of Declan Rice
The biggest story coming out of the Emirates has been the signing of Declan Rice, with the club beating close rivals Manchester City to his signature.
Speaking about the England star, Smith said Declan Rice has his best years ahead of him. He’s a really good character. He’ll fit into that dressing room really well. He’s a Londoner. He won’t take any adjustment. It’s a great signing, and it’s another indication that Arsenal is a club that people want to join.”
Smith compared the current period at Arsenal to his time at the club. He talked about how the club had players like Tony Adams, David Rocastle, Michael Thomas and Paul Merson coming through the ranks and that you could see good things were on the horizon.
While he doesn’t think the signing will definitely put Arsenal into the title race, he believes it does improve the team, as does the signing of Havertz. He also said he doesn’t believe a bedding-in period will be needed for Rice.
Other Transfers And Rumours
Of course, with several players coming in, it is only normal that some will go the other way. When asked about players who could move on, Smith pointed out the likes of Rob Holding, Nicolas Pepe, and Nuno Tavares. He also said there is a chance Kieran Tierney will leave, saying that, while he is an outstanding player, he is not sure he fits Arteta’s system. He said losing him would be a shame, though, describing the Scottish star as a “a good player and person”.
One of the most speculative rumours surrounding Arsenal this summer has been their link with PSG star Kylian Mbappe. Speaking of this, Smith said I would think that the chances of Mbappe joining Arsenal are extremely unlikely. The money that it would take to sign him would be astronomical. I think the only place he can go is Real Madrid. I think that’s the only place, and that is probably the place that he wants to go as well.
Smith admitted he would be very surprised if Arsenal were to smash their tightly controlled structure to sign Mbapppe, though he said, of course, he would love to have him at the club, describing him as one of the best players in the world.
Wenger praised by Smith
Honouring Arsene Wenger
When having a big discussion about Arsenal, it is impossible not to talk about the legacy left by former manager Arsene Wenger. The club has confirmed that it has set to honour this by building a statue for the Frenchman at the Emirates.
Speaking about Wenger, Smith said, “What Wenger achieved at Arsenal and in English football broke new ground. The statue is a fitting tribute for him.” He also talked about Wenger’s decision to stay away from the club for a while, saying that he believes Wenger does not want to pressure Mikel Arteta.
He finished by saying, “I think it was vital that he did stay away. Wenger should have a close relationship with Arsenal after the time he spent there, and the statue is a great thing to have. I’m all for it, and hopefully, we’ll see more of him next season.
During his full interview with Gambling Zone, Alan Smith also discussed the transfer business of other clubs, commenting on Harry Kane’s situation at Tottenham, how important Jamie Vardy is to Leicester, and much more.
