Fantasy Arsenal: Which player would you add from Norwich City?

We know that we are in for a different transfer window. Whatever it looks like, whatever the potential adjusted time frame may be, and however much spending is impacted Arsenal will need to bring in reinforcements to help Mikel Arteta continue to transform the squad. At the same time we aren’t sure when the Premier League is returning, or if when it does it’ll be to finish the 2019-20 season or to start the 2020-21 campaign. Raul Sanllehi has already said Arsenal’s budget will be smaller than expected, and we can assume that other teams will be similarly affected.

But for the meantime we can have some fun by stepping into the role of the Technical Director or Head Coach and thinking about which players make the most sense for Arsenal under the terms of this experiment.

So here is the premise of this series. You can buy one player from each Premier League team. All of these moves are in isolation (so bringing in a CB from one club doesn’t impact a later CB selection) and you have to bring someone in - no passes. This isn’t just about who is that club’s best player, but instead looking at the player’s profile and talent, how much they might cost, and Arsenal’s need at that position. Given where Arsenal are at and where things may stand heading into next season, which move makes the most sense for the club.

We will work our way up the Premier League table while the action paused. Up first is Norwich City, currently 20th in the league on 21 points. Here are five potential choices:

Teemu Pukki

Position: Forward

Projected Value: $9 million.

Argument For: Many wouldn’t have been familiar with Pukki prior to this season, despite his 80 caps for Finland and time with Celtic and FC Schalke. But Pukki started the Premier League season on fire this season, scoring six goals in the five opening matches. At the pause, Teemu had 11 goals and three assists, putting him at a goal or an assist every other game. He’s 30, so it would be unlikely the Gunners would pursue him as anything other than depth at the forward position. And with the academy players at their disposal, would he be worth a single season in London?

Todd Cantwell

Position: Midfielder

Projected Value: $22 million.

Argument For: The 22-year-old is Norwich’s most valuable asset at the moment and based on his style you wouldn’t have been surprised at all if he had been a member of the Arsenal U23 squad recently. With nearly 30 matches in the Premier League under his belt, he’s got six goals and two assists and has plenty of potential still ahead of him. Under the guidance of Arteta and in the Arsenal system he could develop into regular starter for the Gunners., With the Canaries facing relegation, Cantwell is likely to find a new top-flight home next season.

Emi Buendía

Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger

Projected Value: $16 million.

Argument For: The 23-year-old featured consistently on the right side of Norwich’s attack and he led the Canaries with seven assists. He was the team’s most aggressive player in terms of moving the ball towards the opponent’s net. He may not make the most sense for Arsenal, however. The Gunners have a glut of wingers having spent big on Nicolas Pepe last summer and also needing to develop Reiss Nelson.

Tim Krul

Position: Goalkeeper

Projected Value: $4.5 million

Argument For: Everyone will be familiar with Krul’s experience, both in the Premier League and for the Netherlands. At 32, he isn’t a contender to start for Arsenal, but if Emiliano Martinez wants a move for a starting role, Krul would be a great backup for Leno and option for Europa League / Cup matches. He’s cost effective and would easily be able to fill in if Leno were injured.

Ben Godfrey

Position: Centerback

Projected Value: $12.5 million

Argument For: We’ve exhaustively looked at centerback transfers linked with Arsenal and everyone knows the Gunners need to remake the depth chart at the position. Godfrey is only 22, an English national (for home grown rules), and quite affordable. He led Norwich in passes completed and was second pass completion percentage (90% from 1128 attempted passes) this season.

Now it’s your turn. Let us know in the comments below which Norwich player you would make the move for and why? Is there someone not listed that you think a better fit or value for the Gunners? Perhaps right back option Max Aarons for $22 million?