Arsenal may not have been as active as they were last summer, but Mikel Arteta has already started work behind the scenes ahead of another huge Premier League season.
After falling short to Manchester City in the title race, there is more pressure than ever to be successful. The Gunners spent over £250million in the transfer window last summer but question marks remain over certain aspects within their squad.
As well as a need for a new midfielder and wide attacker to provide some healthy competition to Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, the North Londoners are desperate for a new centre-forward. Despite Kai Havertz’s end-of-season form last term, they often failed to secure three points due to the lack of a clinical presence inside the box.
Nico Williams signs
The Spain international has become a worldwide name with his performance at Euro 2024. But many will know that Arsenal have been tracking him for some time and his displays in Germany only added eyes to his talent.
Williams reportedly has a £50m release clause at Athletic Bilbao which is a steal for a player of his quality. For many, the Gunners’ continued lack of quality off the right wing when Saka was unavailable is one of the big reasons why they often struggled to get the wins they needed at times last season.
Eight players sold
Despite all the positivity around Arsenal and their dealings in the transfer window, one problem persists: their inability to raise significant funds via player sales. Minus the odd departure such as Folarin Balogun 12 months ago, the Gunners have often struggled to sell players for good deals.
This summer should be different with almost eight players potentially leaving the club. Aaron Ramsdale, Jakub Kiwior, Nuno Tavares, Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah have all been linked with moves away from the Emirates Stadium – potentially bringing in €170m (£146m) based off their market values via transfermarkt.com.
Midfielder decision
One of the biggest departures to potentially come at the club this summer would be Partey’s exit. The Ghana midfielder has been at the club since 2020 and has been a reliable servant throughout, but his injury-prone habits have become a problem.
As has been the case with a centre-forward, a new central midfielder has been required since January. Martin Zubimendi had been a target before he claimed he would remain in Spain but Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino would be the perfect deputy to Rice after showcasing his ability on the big stage at Euro 2024.
Reports have suggested that, with just one year left on his contract, Merino could be available for as little as £25.2m. A move for the Spain international is only likely if Partey does end up leaving, though.
Now for the big finish. As mentioned at the start of this piece, Arsenal’s long-term issue at centre-forward remains unresolved. There is an argument that Havertz should be given another opportunity to lead the line for Arteta but now is the time to get a clinical forward.
The Gunners have been linked with nearly every top striker across Europe but Viktor Gyokeres is the name that is constantly being mentioned. Gyokeres is claimed to have an £86m release clause in his contract, meaning his arrival could round off a £161m spending spree at the Emirates Stadium this summer.
After impressing with Sporting CP in his first season in Portugal – scoring 43 goals in 50 games – the Sweden international offers pace, strength and power. Something that would make Arsenal drastically better.
