Arsenal’s summer transfer priority this summer remains a central midfielder despite the talk of a centre-forward signing at the start of the window, football.london understands. Arsenal are understood to like Benjamin Sesko however any potential deal remains some way off despite the Slovenian forward’s intention to decide his future ahead of the European Championships.
RB Leipzig have made a contract offer to the 21-year-old and his current deal’s inclusion of a release clause of £55.6million expires on June 30. The appreciation of Sesko comes from the impressive second half to the player’s season and his technical and finishing traits which have been on show in the Bundesliga.
However, the Gunners’ keenness to add a central midfielder to the squad this summer should not come as a surprise. Arsenal have had inconsistencies when it comes to the selection of the midfield three with injuries to Thomas Partey a persistent problem.
The Ghanaian missed the majority of the season just gone and despite an understanding he would prefer to stay at the north London side, should an acceptable offer arrive there remains a feeling that the Gunners would sell. Having extended Jorginho’s contract for another season, Arteta knows he has the quality depth in his midfield with or without Partey but adding another quality option to the side is the dream scenario.
In terms of names, however, there is no standout candidate such as there was with Declan Rice last summer. There are a number of unknown factors and restrictions facing the club too when it comes to deals.
Despite the club’s consistent compliance with Profit and Sustainability Regulations, the club are conscious of the cycles and will angle business accordingly. The club are expected to complete the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford, football.london understands.
The likes of Bruno Guimaraes, despite a well-known interest from Arsenal, look to be financially out of reach due to the restrictions, at least for the moment. Should the club successfully sell a considerable number of players to bring in more financial benefits then there could be scope later down the line.
Arsenal do have plenty of players they could make serious fees on. Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe are two players along with Aaron Ramsdale and Jakub Kiwior that have been linked with exits who could bring in considerable funds.
While others like Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, Kieran Tierney and Partey could leave but are not expected to fetch big sums. It all however adds up and should an exodus occur, Edu will be looking to reinvest with the club in a good place to do so.
The bottom line is football.london understands the club are confident that the squad will be in a stronger place come the start of the season. The ambitions are clear and the two-point gap to Manchester City being closed is the main objective.
