Jermaine Pennant questions quality of Arsenal’s summer signings

Arsenal Sporting Director, Andrea Berta has been very active this summer. The Italian has been very prolific with his dealings so far, bringing in six players. Arsenal secured the signings of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard to bolster the midfield, Kepa Arrizabalaga to provide cover in goal, Noni Madueke to add to their wide attacking options, Cristhian Mosquera to strengthen the backline and of course, Viktor Gyokeres to fill a gaping hole up front.

The Gunners are not quite done yet as according to reports, they are in pursuit of the highly touted Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace. As Mikel Arteta and Arsenal build a squad that can bring the Premier League title to the Emirates, we sit down with the former Arsenal midfielder Jermaine Pennant to discuss what other players they need to bring in.

Do Arsenal’s signings move the needle?

Pennant was positive about the Gunners’ work in the transfer market but also compared it to Liverpool’s moves, saying that the latter have brought in more exciting players. He says that where Liverpool have brought in top talents like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike while in the hunt for Alexander Isak, the only comparable signing that Arsenal have made is that of Gyokeres.

“Arsenal have added strength in depth but if you asked their fans which of their signings have got them excited it’s probably only Gyokeres. Have any of them been as excited by a signing as Liverpool were with Florian Wirtz? Isak if that goes through or Ekitike.”

The former England international also questions the Madueke transfer, saying that Chelsea would not have sold him to Arsenal if he had higher potential.

“Arsenal have made good signings and they’re good players but more so add to the strength in depth as opposed to taking them to the next level. Chelsea wouldn’t be selling Madueke if he’s going to be the next Saka. You don’t lose players like that to your arch rivals.”

Gunners should go all in for Eberechi Eze

Pennant sees Eberechi Eze as the game-changing signing that Arsenal need and urges his former team to pay whatever it takes to get him. He mentions Eze’s creativity as a key strength as well as the fact that he can drive past players.

“Personally Arsenal should be signing Eze. He adds a lot more flair in the midfield. In the past I feel as though they’ve relied heavily on Odegaard to be the creator around the box.”

“Eze fits the creative mould perfectly. He can bring players in, he can assist, he picks the ball up and drives past players and we know he can score goals. For me, that’s a very good signing and a signing that elevates Arsenal.”

Eze’s release clause, reported to be a figure around £68 million, can be a roadblock but Pennant argues that it’s a reasonable fee for a player like him. He compares that to the £65 million that Liverpool got for selling Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich and says that Arsenal have to be ready to spend the big bucks if they want to embark on a title run.

“Look at the figures being handed around for players. £70m, £80m, even in the £90m’s. Eze at £68m is good business. You’d be happy with that. Liverpool sold Diaz for £65m. If you want to be competitive you’ve got to start paying the bucks and Arsenal are resistant to spending high but you’ve got to pay the money for Eze.”

Eze alternatives and Trossard’s future

Ademola Lookman, who has requested a transfer away from Atalanta, could be an alternative if the Eze signing falls through. Pennant, however, doesn’t think that the Nigerian is in the same league and questions if he can replicate his Atalanta form in the Premier League and match the output of Leandro Trossard, let alone Eze.

He groups Lookman in the same ‘depth signing’ category and reiterates the need for Arsenal to sign proven top players.

“Lookman is a good player and he’s done well at Atalanta but you’ve got to think about whether he can do it consistently in the Premier League and if he’s proven in the league. Is he much better than Trossard? He’d be another signing that might add strength in depth but it wouldn’t make me think Arsenal are going to now win the league. Arsenal need top players now.”

Pennant also thinks that Arsenal should keep Trossard citing his tendency to score late goals which helped keep the Gunners in title races in past seasons.

“Trossard was a key part of Arsenal's title charge with late goals so I think they need to keep him even if it makes him unhappy. With him you’ll get eight or nine goals a season minimum. Vieira I think they can cash in on and look to invest that money elsewhere.”

Do you think their squad is strong enough to win the title? bet365 have them as second favourites behind Liverpool. The signing of Eze will improve their chances but on paper, you can't look past Liverpool right now and they are not even done in the transfer window. Read who Jermaine Pennant thinks Liverpool will sign next.