Mikel Arteta could fast-track his Arsenal transfer plans over the next 48 hours in order to strike a bargain deal. To most, June 30 represents the date of England’s round of 16 clash against Slovakia at Euro 2024, but to the decision makers at Premier League clubs it is the final day to balance financial books and thus comply with profit and sustainability rules.
The Gunners have endured a rather quiet summer transfer window despite strong links to several players in a number of different positions. That said, football.london understands strengthening in midfield is the priority of Arteta and Edu.
In that position, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Youssouf Fofana, Bruno Guimaraes and Amadou Onana are just a few names of interest. Elsewhere, if the right opportunity arises, Arsenal could look to sign a striker while it is also seen as important to add depth in defence, particularly at centre-back.
football.london has taken a look at three transfers Arsenal could complete in those positions in the next 48 hours with some other Premier League clubs perhaps still in need of selling players before the June 30 deadline.
Amadou Onana
Everton’s severe financial difficulties were what really kicked off the PSR craze with the Toffees docked points in the 2023/24 for several breaches. The sale of Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa certainly helped matters as the £9million fee counted as pure profit on the club’s books, but concerns still remain.
With that in mind, a marquee sale may still be needed and that is where Arsenal’s interest in Onana comes into play. The Gunners have been linked to the Belgium international in recent months and with Arteta’s need for a midfielder clear, he could try and strike a deal on the cheap before the end of June.
Onana is currently at Euro 2024 which would make matters harder, however Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen, also at the tournament in Germany, has agreed a move to Aston Villa which shows it can be done.
Trevoh Chalobah
Chelsea are another club facing a potential PSR breach with Trevoh Chalobah and Conor Gallagher placed up for sale. As the English duo graduated from the club’s Cobham academy, any funds acquired from their departures would count as pure profit.
While Gallagher would be a great addition, the 24-year-old is not interested in discussing his future while at the Euros with other reports stating he has no plans to leave this summer and may even run down his contract which expires in 2025. Chalobah however, seems destined for an exit following the arrival of Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer.
Injuries have plagued the 24-year-old over the last nine months with his first Premier League appearance of the 2023/24 season coming in February. Following that though, Chalobah started 10 of Chelsea’s last 14 games with the defender scoring one goal alongside helping his side keep three clean sheets with just one defeat in that time.
As such, Chalobah would be an astute addition for Arsenal that could also help any homegrown issues, especially with locally-trained stars like Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe all being linked to an exit.
Jhon Duran
Chelsea appear no longer focused on Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran which could allow Arsenal and Arteta to strike. The Blues were told his asking price was £40million with Villa open to his exit under the right conditions considering their own financial worries.
The expected sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus will have undoubtedly helped matters, though they have been busy with incomings and are set to welcome at least four new signings. With that in mind, the Gunners could make a late move for the Colombia international with Arteta having no player like him in his squad.
One of the reasons Chelsea reportedly cooled their interest was surrounding concerns over his attitude, something Arteta will likely be aware of considering how he has shifted the culture at Emirates Stadium. However, if the Arsenal boss sees no issue, it is entirely feasible he could target Duran in the next two days.
