Did Arsenal Miss a Trick? Why Michael Olise's Bayern Move Could Haunt the Gunners

Arsenal’s title aspirations have been rekindled by their stellar start to the Premier League season. Ray Parlour, a Gunners icon, thinks the team might come to regret not signing Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise. Despite Arsenal’s interest and his £50.8 million release clause, the French U21 international chose to sign with Bayern Munich. He was frequently linked to a move to the Emirates.

Is Olise a Good Fit for Arsenal?

Parlour contends that Olise would have been a perfect addition to Arsenal, giving Bukayo Saka competition and depth on the wing. Saka has continuously produced excellent work, but his high workload has sparked worries about fatigue and the necessity for a strong backup. Olise, with his versatility and ability to play on either flank, would have offered a valuable alternative and eased the burden on Saka.

Olise’s enormous talent was demonstrated during his breakthrough season with Crystal Palace. He was one of the Premier League’s most promising young players because of his inventiveness, dribbling prowess, and goal-scoring ability. Despite having a potent offensive unit, Arsenal lacks the depth needed to compete regularly in a variety of competitions. This problem would have been resolved with Olise’s arrival, giving Mikel Arteta more offensive alternatives and tactical freedom.

Saka’s Uncertain Future and the Importance of Backup Plans

Parlour is worried about more than just the present campaign. Saka’s long-term future at Arsenal is becoming increasingly questionable as his contract expires in 2024. It would have been proactive to sign Olise, guaranteeing that the Gunners would continue to be a formidable offensive force even if Saka left.

According to Parlour, “I think they’ve missed a trick with Olise,” He is a gifted athlete who would have been ideal for Arsenal. He has a lot of potential and can play both wings. I believe that Arsenal may come to regret not buying him.

Parlour’s remarks emphasize how crucial it is to prepare ahead and assemble a team that can succeed over time. Getting a player like Olise would have been a wise long-term investment in the volatile world of football, where player departures and contract extensions are frequent occurrences.

The Appeal of Bayern and Arsenal’s Transfer Approach

Olise’s choice to sign with Bayern Munich highlights the difficulty Premier League teams have competing with the best in Europe. Despite Arsenal’s formidable financial might and reputation for nurturing young players, Olise was unable to resist Bayern’s allure.

This calls into doubt Arsenal’s transfer policy and their capacity to draw in elite young players. Even if Mikel Arteta has made great strides, the team still needs to make smart investments and acquire important players if it wants to regularly contend for big awards. The necessity of efficiency and decisiveness in the transfer market is brought home by losing out on Olise.

Gazing Ahead

Now, Arsenal needs to concentrate on securing its current roster and finding other targets who can offer the depth and caliber that they require. The Gunners still have time to bolster their roster and improve on their strong start to the season, even though losing Olise to Bayern is a blow.

In the fiercely competitive Premier League, squad depth and long-term planning are essential ingredients for success. Arsenal’s decision to pass on Olise could prove costly, especially if he thrives at Bayern Munich and Saka’s future remains unresolved.