This might be the most unpredictable transfer window I can remember when it comes to Arsenal and the funnier thing is that I have never been calmer. The executive team at the club have raised the standard of appreciation for their work to such a level that the faith they have earned outweighs any worries and characteristic panic of previous summers.
Yet do not misunderstand that there is a knowledge of the significant needs Arsenal have during this summer market. It is an incredibly important market for the Gunners in order to try and close the two-point gap to Man City from the end of last season.
Arsenal have needs all over the field, particularly in the midfield and forward areas. The fixture list added a further incentive to get business done early with games against Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in the opening five clashes.
Mikel Arteta has spoken openly about wanting deals done quickly. He spoke at the end of last season ahead of the final game against Everton of the benefits it brings but admitted this summer’s tournaments are a consideration.
That’s the ideal scenario, every club wants that,” he said. “We want that as coaches and for the players especially you want that, and then for the team and the environment.
“When you do that, something clicks, something starts to build there and that’s really important because it starts to give you momentum. We have the Euros this season and Copa America, and it might be a different summer.”
While the deadline may indeed be more than two months away, the start of the season is in less than that time and when the latter stages of these tournaments arise, fans will begin to get restless if there are little signs of movement. Names are certainly circulating with one already struck off as Benjamin Sesko signed a new contract with RB Leipzig despite considerable interest from the Gunners.
Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen have been mentioned but while the former is indeed of interestfootball.london understands there has been no indication from sources it is advanced and a move for the Nigerian would be a big surprise at this stage. Midfield, despite being the known priority at this stage, has also gone very quiet with names such as Bruno Guimaraes and Amadou Onana circulating but with little in the way of advancement.
In defence, there have been links of late to Marc Guehi who has been one of the few impressive parts of this England squad. Adding depth will be important but should Jakub Kiwior leave and the future of Oleksandr Zinchenko uncertain, then a full-back might also be on the cards – the Pole has impressed too so the idea he would leave so soon would be a surprise.
Aaron Ramsdale looks almost certain to depart the club this summer having been replaced by David Raya. football.london have been told that there should be no surprises when it comes to the Spaniard’s future with the Gunners meaning for Ramsdale again his game time would be considerably limited.
Karl Hein is expected to stay, football.london understands, but leave on loan and after a raft of youth departures in the position it is looking thin. Investment is therefore expected but the only name mentioned has been Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow which again has gone quiet too.
Does this mean Arsenal are simply not doing anything? No, of course not and there is confidence that the side will be stronger when the market comes to a close and considering the work done in previous windows there is plenty of reason to buy into that.
Outgoings-wise, there is also plenty of work to do with a chance to bring in significant funds for further investment and open up more spaces in the group. Arsenal are open to the sale of plenty of their surplus players but are determined to get good fees for them too.
