It has become something of a near-annual tradition that Arsenal have signed a player from Chelsea which has been either a rousing success or a comedic failure. It never seems there is something in between although perhaps FA Cup-winning David Luiz has a semblance of a shout.
But the likes of Willian, Petr Cech and William Gallas will go down as reminders of how it should be avoided. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz has certainly broken that trend along with Jorginho who have both contributed to Mikel Arteta’s ascent to taking Arsenal to established title challengers.
It has almost been like an unspoken agreement between the clubs has existed which is simply not seen at other rivals in Manchester or Liverpool. The idea of it happening again this summer however is a very different prospect.
Chelsea are looking to do late June deals in order to help comply with Profit and Sustainability Regulations and Arsenal signing any more stars for big-money fees would only be doing them favours. In addition, there are simply not any profiles that look anything like a good deal for the Gunners whom Chelsea might be open to letting leave.
The previously linked Mykhailo Mudryk has endured a torturous time in west London and perhaps regrets the move. Reports suggest he was devastated to miss out on the move but the performances will not have convinced Arsenal to make a return.
Only Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer have truly stood out and while the former may indeed be allowed to leave, there has been no mention of an Arsenal keenness. There is also the argument that the Gunners have no need to bring in another project.
Havertz was something of a process for Arteta to try and prove his own coaching credentials. To prove that he could sign a player against the wishes of a fan base and show not only that he saw the quality that others did not, but that he could unleash it in a side that was competing for the title.
Now though, Arsenal need players who can both raise the floor of the squad with competitive depth and add battles for starting places in key positions like right-wing, attacking midfield, and centre-forward. To sign another project player when the aim is closing a now-two-point gap to Manchester City appears somewhat backward.
