Afrobeats artist Odumodublvck has laid out a clear plan for Arsenal’s path to Premier League glory, identifying four crucial positions that require reinforcement.

As the 2024/25 Premier League season approaches, Arsenal is gearing up to finally claim the title that has eluded them for two consecutive seasons.

In an exclusive interview with ESPN Africa, Odumodublvck shared his expert analysis, pinpointing the signings that can propel Arsenal to the top.

Firstly, Odumodublvck highlights the need for a top-class left back, suggesting Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo as the ideal fit.

Despite the recent signing of Riccardo Calafiori and the presence of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber, the artiste believes Cancelo’s skills would be a significant upgrade.

Secondly, Odumodublvck advocates for the addition of a left winger to support or upgrade Gabriel Martinelli, who has held down the position for four years. His preferred signing is Rafael Leao, whose €175 million release clause expired on July 15.

Thirdly, the Afrobeats star emphasizes the need for a prolific striker, citing Gabriel Jesus‘ fitness issues as a major concern.

While Arsenal has relied on goals from various sources, a consistent, high-scoring striker is essential for a title-winning campaign.

Lastly, Odumodublvck recommends strengthening the center midfield position with a defensive cover, allowing Declan Rice to utilize his box-to-box skills.

He suggests Frenkie De Jong as the ideal signing, despite the team already having Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

Additionally, Odumodublvck has previously praised Declan Rice, naming him England’s most important player ahead of Harry Kane. With these reinforcements, Arsenal may finally have the firepower to claim the Premier League title.

 

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Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is recuperating “very fast” after an ACL injury suffered on his Premier League debut in August.

Timber signed Arsenal from Ajax for an original fee of £34 million, but he was pulled off after only 50 minutes of the season’s first game.

The length of ACL layoffs varies greatly, although the average is between seven and nine months. With that likely timeline and Arteta’s favorable news, Timber might be back on the field before the conclusion of the season.

“He is doing very well,” the Gunners boss explained this week.

“Obviously he’s going through a really significant injury but he’s flying to be fair, the stage he is right now. The way he works every single day is incredibly satisfying to watch, but unfortunately we’re going to miss him still for a long time.

“[His recovery is] very fast. The first few steps are crucial for that injury, for the amount of work they have to do for the knee to be resolved and get some activity and mobility back and start to build the strength. Especially how the head is throughout that period, I think he’s in a really good place.”

When Timber joined on, the goal was to become Arsenal’s starting right-back. Ben White, whose favorite position is in the center of defense, was once required to play there for a large portion of the season due to his long-term absence and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s frequent fill-in on the left.

Arsenal sent scouts to see Jeremie Frimpong play during Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund earlier this month because they believe that the right-back position may need to be strengthened. It is anticipated that he will go in 2024, and his £35 million release clause will expire this summer. However, Liverpool was also observing the 23-year-old throughout that match.

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Jurrien Timber claims he felt “like a baby” after injuring his knee ligaments during his Premier League debut for Arsenal.

The Gunners signed the Netherlands international full-back for £38 million ($48 million) during the summer transfer window, but he only lasted 50 minutes of their opening weekend triumph over Nottingham Forest before being forced onto the treatment table and under the surgeon’s knife. Timber has had a difficult road to rehabilitation since then, with his ACL injury first putting him in need of childlike help from those around him.

• The 22-year-old defender has told football.london of his injury nightmare at Emirates Stadium: “The beginning was obviously hard. The first few days are painful. My girlfriend helped me a lot. I felt like a baby. The support of my team-mates and the coaches was immense from the moment I heard the news. I remember [Oleksandr] Zinchenko and Mo [Elneny] were at the training ground, everyone was off [that day] and the doctor left me alone for a bit, and they came into my room. They were just talking to me and encouraging me, saying so many positive things. A lot of guys were texting me, because everyone was off so no one was at the club, but they heard what happened and were texting me. They asked if I was okay and the support was immense.”

  The one positive about suffering an injury so early in the season is that Timber may recover in time to figure again in the 2023–24 campaign. He is slowly working his way towards full fitness, with the Dutch star adding on that process: “I feel like it’s going pretty quick. I’m making good progress and also the knee is reacting very well so I’m happy with the way things are going. Let’s just see how things are going and how long it will be still.”

  Arsenal will not hurry Timber back into action, with the goal being to get him back out on the grass in the coming weeks and thoroughly evaluate his performances in training before making a decision on any potential comeback date.

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Arteta approved the pricey additions of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber this summer, signalling a clear preference for players capable of filling a variety of roles after watching Arsenal fall painfully short to eventual champions Manchester City.

Arteta admits he wants to be able to rely on more players in different places to help him modify Arsenal’s style of play, and it is a key component of his strategy for the upcoming season.

“We are going to need to do that in a different way, for sure,” he explained. “It’s a different context that we have this season. One is down to competition for places but as well the players we have and interactions, positions they can occupy as well.

“A lot has changed as well. The games are longer now, more minutes to play as well and how we start and finish the games will be critical so it’s something to bear in mind as well.

“I I love it. Because it gives you more options, better players, more chances to do what you can when you have to change the game, we have to change things and we’re going to ask players to do it naturally, not to force it when you don’t really know when that fits.

“But teams in the Premier League, their managers and staff, after two or three games they know and they try to find a solution. But it’s not about the solution. It was more about us.”

Unfortunately for Arteta, he lost a key part of this new vision when Timber went down with a serious knee injury in the opening game of the season, but the boss wants the rest of his squad to step up and fill the void.

“After just joining to have this injury is a big blow for him. We recruited him intentionally to add to the team and now we have to adapt and move on,” Arteta said recently.

“He has been very good, to be honest. He’s a special character. He’s in a good place, so we are all willing to help him, but it’s going to be a long journey.

“I’m thinking about the resources we have in the team but he would have given us different things on both sides of defence. It’s an opportunity for everybody. We need everybody.”

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Arsenal have presented its eye-catching new third jersey for the 2023/24 season. The Adidas green design was inspired by the 1982–83 season.

With a striking offering that will be worn by both their men’s and women’s teams in the 2023–24 season, the Gunners have given a major homage to the past while completely embracing the present.

The north London giants claim to have “reinvented a cult classic fit for the present day” with their new kits, which include a “mineral green” foundation contrasted by blue shoulders, a “off-white stylized crest and sponsor logos,” and navy shorts.

The kit has been launched alongside a film produced by the club that “brings continental style to the streets of Islington”, with the likes of Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and Leah Williamson starring in a production that features a kebab shop, ice creams and other notable landmarks near Emirates Stadium.

Inigo Turner, Design Director for Football Apparel at adidas, has told the Gunners’ official website of the retro third kit design: “Given the depth of Arsenal’s kit archive, looking to the past is always an inspiring place to start when designing something for the supporters of today. The iconic green away shirt from the 1982/83 season was a one-off and this modern-day expression of this classic blends fashion and football seamlessly. As these worlds continue to collide, we’ve looked to create a kit that is, first and foremost, primed for performance offering the best for the athlete, while also being an eye-catching fashion statement that supporters are proud to wear at matches and away from the stadium.”

Europe never looked so good 😮‍💨

Introducing the new Arsenal x @adidasfootball 23/24 third kit 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 18, 2023

Arsenal will wear their new third uniform in Premier League, Women’s Super League, domestic cups, and UEFA Champions League matches.

It will be worn for the first time by the club’s women’s squad when they face Bristol City in the WSL on October 22, however, the men may wear it before that depending on who they draw in the Champions League group stage, which begins in September.

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In the summer transfer season, the Gunners have already spent more than £200 million on players including Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber. Raya, a Spanish international, has now joined the North London club as its fourth summer signing for a fee of £3 million, according to reports.

This deal then includes a £ 27 million option to buy for Arsenal if all parties find the move agreeable rather than an obligation. The talented shot-stopper made it no secret of his delight after his move was finalised, hailing the size of his new club.

Speaking to the club’s official media team, he said: “I’m over the moon to be able to take this challenge in my career and make the step up. I’m really excited to get going and see how the season ends up.

“I spoke to the boss and he sent me the values of what Arsenal are about. The way that the club is going, it’s growing even more so it is a beautiful challenge to take and I couldn’t say no.

“I’ve seen Arsenal a lot for a lot of years and since [Mikel] came he’s made a massive difference to the style of play and to the club. The way the team plays out of the back, being confident and taking possession to the other team is the main thing why I fit into the team.

“I’m going to try and help as much as possible and we’ll see what happens.” Raya is familiar with Arsenal goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana, who worked with the talented keeper during their time together at Brentford, with the player admitting he is excited to reunite with his former mentor.

“Inaki is very demanding but he’s a very good goalie coach,” he added. “He’s always onto you but he only wants you to be the best. I felt so much better when I started training with him and in the space of six months, he changed my vision of a goalkeeper and the way I played back at Blackburn to how I played at Brentford. He was the first one to change my mindset to see different aspects of goalkeeping.

“I can’t wait to be out there training with the lads and getting that GK union going. That’s a tight group that we’re always going to get along and push each other, so that’s going to be a healthy group in my opinion. I just can’t wait to get going and meet the lads.

“One of the challenges is to get used to the style and the patterns, and get to know the players as soon as possible to get that bond from the beginning. Knowing the players and the staff, I think they’re going to put me in the right direction and I’ll fit in straight away.”

💬 “The way that the club is going, it’s growing even more so it’s a beautiful challenge to take, and I couldn’t say no.”

The Spanish shotstopper shares his thoughts on signing 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 15, 2023

Raya joins the team after the Gunners last week permitted backup goalie Matt Turner to go with Nottingham Forest. The 27-year-old will now face off against current No. 1 Aaron Ramsdale, who joined the team back in the summer of 2021.

Since then, Ramsdale has made a name for himself as one of the top keepers in the Premier League, disproving many sceptics along the way.

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This summer, Mikel Arteta won’t rule out any additional Arsenal signings.

Following the signings of Kai Havertz from Chelsea and Jurrien Timber from Ajax, the Gunners’ summer spending has risen to above £200 million thanks to the £105 million deal they completed for Declan Rice over the weekend.

Romeo Lavia of Southampton has drawn interest from a number of teams, including Arsenal. Joao Cancelo of Manchester City has also been mentioned in connection with Arsenal.

When asked if Arsenal fans can expect more signings this summer, Arteta told Sky Sports: ‘Let’s see.

‘There’s a lot of time still in the market and a lot of expectations in some of our players as well.

‘We’ll have to see and how things develop in the next couple of weeks.

‘We’ll be alert. There’s still time to do things and there’s still time for exits obviously. I’m sure things will move.’

During his press conference in Washington on Monday, Arteta also explained the qualities Rice will bring to his Arsenal side.

‘It’s his leadership, his aura, the experience he already has in the league he is going to bring and the team to a different dimension I think,’ Arteta said.

‘He has the physical qualities we were missing for a while as well. That is why we had to do what we had to do to get him because he was really important for us to get him.

‘First of all he is a person and what he is going to bring to the team.

‘I see him like a lighthouse, that he is willing to put light in others and improve others and make the team better and that is a huge quality.

‘For me, to be a midfielder you have to have that and he’s got it 100 per cent and the way he talks and presents himself and the ambition he has and the passion towards the game and that is exactly what we needed.’

When asked when Arsenal decided to make a move for Rice, Arteta said: ‘It was was while ago.

‘We were discussing how he could evolve the team and how he could complement the players that we already have and give us more flexibility and quality and depth, and take that winning hunger into the team with players who really want to push themselves to a different level.

‘We have three new players who will be really important in that.’

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Declan Rice has finally been presented in an Arsenal jersey, and the team has confirmed which number will decorate the back of their record signing. This comes after a protracted romance, eye-watering bidding war, and endless wait over the last legal technicalities.

After West Ham chairman David Sullivan stated that the captain had been guaranteed a transfer the morning after his team won this year’s Europa Conference League, Rice’s departure from the club was no longer a question of if but when.

Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz have already joined for a total of more than £105 million, which is the same amount that West Ham demanded from Arsenal in exchange for Rice.

All Decked out in the famous red and white 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/dR2suqLK8i

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 15, 2023

The long-awaited statement announcing Rice’s arrival revealed that the 24-year-old would wear 41. Rice was randomly assigned the number at West Ham when he was promoted to the first team and stuck with the bulky digit even as he became a fixture of the starting XI.

DR41 🤩

🛍️ Pick up your very own Rice 41 shirt at Arsenal Direct 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 15, 2023

Rice has previously worn four when playing for the England national team but his compatriot Ben White is the owner of that shirt at Arsenal.

The former Chelsea academy player was introduced to his new Arsenal teammates alongside Timber on Saturday as the pair prepare to jet off for the American leg of the club’s pre-season tour. The Gunners began the run-up to next season with a friendly against Nurnberg on Thursday before either Timber or Rice had been unveiled. Havertz did feature in an uninspiring 1-1 draw.

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Arsenal have announced the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham in a deal worth £105 million.

The Gunners have won their battle with Manchester City for the England midfielder, securing a deal worth around £105m ($137m). After nine years at West Ham, Rice is Arsenal’s most expensive signing ever. Rice overtakes Nicolas Pepe, who won £72m (€83m/$94m) in the summer of 2019.

A new chapter begins. pic.twitter.com/ha5Btd8I2h

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 15, 2023

“We’re really happy that Declan is joining us,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. “He is a player with tremendous ability, who has been performing at a high level in the Premier League and for England for a number of seasons now. Declan is bringing undoubted quality to the club and he is an exceptional talent who has the potential to be very successful here.

“Declan has great experience in the Premier League at only 24 years old. He has captained a very good West Ham team and as we all saw, he recently lifted a European trophy. The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”

The Gunners welcome Rice and defender Jurrien Timber to the club as they continue their pre-season preparations.

Declan Rice. The Arsenal.

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 15, 2023

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Declan Rice has said goodbye to West Ham in preparation for his summer move to Arsenal. Before finally completing a British record transfer to the Emirates Stadium, the 24-year-old midfielder had been extensively connected with leaving the Hammers for a few years.

In an emotional message on Instagram, Rice wrote: “I can’t believe an incredible 10 years has come to an end. West Ham has been a massive part of my life on and off the pitch. Saying goodbye is never easy.

“I’ve had some unbelievable highs, none higher than that night in Prague. I’ve also grown as lot as a person, a player and as a captain. From the very first moment I captained the side, under the guidance of Nobes, I have felt nothing other than pride & passion.

“As a captain, delivering that European trophy was the icing on the cake. My connection with the fans means everything to me and my family. You have treated us like one of your own since the day I arrived. Thank you.

“Everyone knows how special West Ham is as a club that goes for all managers, coaches, back room staff and of course, my team mates. Thank you for some amazing memories and some of the best days of my life. Love you all. Love Dec.”

 

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The England international also wrote an open letter that was published on the West Ham website, in which he discussed his time spent in East London.

From going on trial with the club at the age of 14 to the Europa Conference League final earlier this summer, Rice opened his heart to West Ham supporters.

Declan Rice has penned an open letter to West Ham fans.

— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 15, 2023

We know that Rice remained Mikel Arteta’s top objective despite the signing of Jorginho in January. The Arsenal manager has been eager to strengthen his team and close the gap with Manchester City after narrowly missing out on the Premier League championship the previous season.

The Hammers first resisted selling Rice, but David Sullivan approved it after Rice helped the team win a European championship. Mp3bullet also knows that Arsenal has secured the services of the England international ahead of Pep Guardiola’s team, and a £105 million deal is almost complete.

The imminent arrival of Rice follows Jurrien Timber, who was unveiled the day prior, and Kai Havertz, who controversially joined from Chelsea.

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Jurrien Timber has joined Arsenal from Ajax in a £40 million ($52 million) transfer.

Timber has agreed to terms with Arsenal on a long-term contract. The Gunners have been in talks with Ajax for some time and have finally announced the signing of the defender.

The Arsenal family continues to grow ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VovE3Zt24J

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 14, 2023

As Mikel Arteta’s second summer signing after Kai Havertz, Timber has stated that he wants to be a part of “something special” at Arsenal. The Gunners are also hoping to recruit Declan Rice from West Ham. After 121 appearances for Ajax and 15 caps for the Netherlands, Timber is moving on.

Speaking in his announcement video, Timber said: “When I watched games with my brothers when I was a kid, of course I wanted to play for one of the biggest and best teams in the world but I really had a sense that it had to be a team that plays the right way, a club that has the right values, that develops young talent and has an unbreakable bond with its supporters. Now that I’m here, I feel at home already. Something special is happening here and I want to be part of it. Now let’s get to work.”

Speaking to Arsenal’s club channels on Timber’s signing, Mikel Arteta said: “We’re really excited that Jurrien has joined us. He is a versatile young defender, who will fit into our system and provide our squad with so much added quality.

“Jurrien is a young player, but has already achieved so much. He has experienced what it’s like to go to a major international tournament on more than one occasion, as well as the trophies he has won with Ajax. We look forward to welcoming and integrating Jurrien into the squad.”

Arsenal play the Major League Soccer All-Stars next week but it remains to be seen if Timber will be involved.

Welcome to The Arsenal, Jurrien Timber 🤩

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 14, 2023

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Arsenal have announced the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea.

Gunners have completed the signing of the German international on a long-term contract in a deal for £65 million ($82 million) as they continue to attempt to enhance Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Throughout the summer, Arsenal has been after Havertz because Arteta thought the German international might be a game-changer.

His highlight throughout his three years at Stamford Bridge came when he scored the game-winning goal in the Champions League final against Manchester City.

We keep moving forward.​

Kai Havertz is a Gunner ❤️ pic.twitter.com/76j5BStw9e

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 28, 2023

Chelsea’s lofty asking price proved to be a stumbling block for Real and Bayern, but not for Arsenal, who have now completed the signing of Havertz for a fee believed to be in excess of £65m.

The 24-year-old becomes Arsenal’s first summer signing, with the club aiming to soon finalize deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.

Despite only scoring 32 goals in 139 appearances for Chelsea, Havertz will always be remembered in west London for scoring the winning goal against Manchester City in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final.

Arteta said: “Kai is a player of top quality. He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play.

“We welcome Kai and his family to Arsenal Football Club and we are all excited to start working with him when we start pre-season training soon.”

The player himself added, “It’s super exciting for me to be joining this amazing club and to be part of the Arsenal family. This club has such a big history, and I hope we can achieve lots of things.

“The mentality in the Arsenal squad is very high and you can feel that. That was one of the reasons why it has been so hard to play against Arsenal recently.

“The aim is to win trophies and I’m going to give everything to do that for the supporters and everyone at the club. I’m now looking forward to meeting all the players and the staff when we come back for pre-season.”

Prior to the Arsenal’s preseason tour of the United States, Havertz will meet up with his new teammates.

Welcome to The Arsenal, Kai Havertz 🤩

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 28, 2023

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