Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal Journey: Hits, Misses, and the Loan Market
Since taking over as Arsenal’s manager in December 2019, Mikel Arteta’s tenure has been a rollercoaster. However, with three consecutive Premier League title challenges and a second Champions League quarter-final appearance in as many seasons, the Spaniard has proven his ability to steer the club in the right direction.
Transfer Successes and Flops
Arteta’s transfer strategy has been a mixed bag. Signings like Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Magalhaes, and David Raya have significantly strengthened the starting lineup. However, not all acquisitions have panned out. Some players have struggled to make an impact, but a few are finding form out on loan, potentially enabling Arsenal to recoup some of their investment.
Arsenal’s Loan Stars
Nuno Tavares
Nuno Tavares, currently on loan at Lazio, is a prime example of a player who has rediscovered his form. After a disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest last season, the Portuguese full-back has been impressive in Serie A. With nine assists in 26 appearances, Tavares has been a standout performer, earning praise as an “unstoppable” talent. Lazio has the option to make his move permanent for around £7.6m.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Another Arteta signing, Albert Sambi Lokonga, has found success at Sevilla. Despite dealing with injuries, the Belgian midfielder has started 13 of his 18 appearances and has attracted interest from Atlético Madrid and Sevilla, who both have a £10m option to buy him in the summer.
The Case for Selling Fabio Vieira
Among Arsenal’s loanees, Fabio Vieira stands out as a player who could be sold this summer. The Portuguese midfielder joined Arsenal for £34m in 2022 but failed to live up to expectations, managing just three goals and nine assists in 49 appearances.
Sent back to Porto on loan, Vieira initially struggled but has recently hit a purple patch. In his last four league games, he has scored three goals and provided one assist, showing glimpses of the form that made him a sought-after prospect.
While some may argue for giving him another chance at Arsenal, his slight physique and lack of impact in the Premier League suggest the club would be better off cashing in while his value is rising. Selling him now could provide funds to invest in a more reliable option.
Other Loanees
Players like Reiss Nelson, Karl Hein, and Marquinhos have also been out on loan this season, but none have performed well enough to significantly boost their transfer value.
Conclusion
Arteta’s tenure has been marked by both triumphs and missteps. While his successful transfers have elevated the team, the loan market has provided opportunities for underperforming players to rebuild their careers. For Arsenal, cashing in on players like Vieira could be a smart move, allowing the club to reinvest in players who are better suited to the demands of the Premier League.
