TalkSPORT pundit Jermaine Jenas has said that he is optimistic about Arsenal’s prospects of making the top four of the Premier League next season. The Gunners have been deemed to be working on a limited budget for the summer but they have still made quality purchases including the club-record signing of Nicolas Pepe from Lille.
In a report covered by The Mirror, Jenas acknowledged that he is surprised by the club’s transfer business, particularly with no reinforcements at the heart of the backline. However, he believes the north London side could still experience a decent campaign, given they are bound to score more goals with the presence of Pepe in their ranks.
He said: “I’m very surprised they’ve not gone and got somebody [in defence], if you’ve got £72m to spend within any structuring of a deal, I don’t think another attacking player is what they needed – but at the same time, this Nicolas Pepe might turn out be an absolute world-beater that you just couldn’t let pass. They’re going to score goals again, they’re going to be difficult to play against. I think they’ll have a decent season.”
The lack of defensive reinforcements remains a concern ahead of the 2019/2020 season, considering the club have leaked goals over the past two league campaigns, which have cost them in the race for the top four. Nonetheless, reports suggest that the club are actively looking at the prospect of strengthening the department and Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney has been earmarked as one of the prime targets.
The Scotland international has been linked with the Gunners for the past few years and it is claimed that the club may eventually pursue his signature from the ranks of Celtic. Aside from Tierney, the club have been linked with the likes of Daniel Rugani and Dayot Upamecano with the central defensive department also in need of strengthening before the transfer deadline.