Arsenal are gearing up for the summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta expected to make a major overhaul of his squad.
The Gunners came up agonisingly short in this season’s title race, finishing just two points behind Manchester City. Arteta will be pushing his side to go one better next campaign, but will need to improve his squad accordingly.
The changes are set to begin with a series of departures, with Albert Sambi Lokonga announcing his intention to join those who are leaving. Elsewhere, top target Joshua Zirkzee dropped a major hint on his future.
And Gunners’ recruitment chief Edu opened up on his plans for this summer’s window. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest Arsenal transfer news.
Midfielder confirms exit
Arsenal star Albert Sambi Lokonga has confirmed his intention to leave the club this summer. The Belgian only arrived at the Gunners three years ago, but has failed to stake a regular first-team place at the Emirates.
Lokonga spent the season just gone on loan at Luton Town, where he impressed. Following his return from the Hatters, Lokonga has laid out his desire to leave the Gunners permanently.
“I think that [my time at Arsenal] is slowly coming to the end,” Lokonga told VOO Sport. “I had a discussion with the club and what was said is that the best solution for me was to leave. I have a one year contract plus a one year option, so now it’s up to the club and my agent to find the best solution.”
Edu lays out plans
Arsenal transfer chief Edu has laid out his plans for this summer’s transfer window. The Brazilian will lead on the Gunners’ transfer strategy and has set out the process he will take.
“You can’t sign for the sake of signing. It has to be a process that takes weeks and weeks. On my desk, I have reports of over 180 pages on one player. It’s really detailed stuff. Physical, technical, mental profile, whether he has Premier League experience, whether he’ll be able to adapt,” Edu told Estado.
“Everything. We analyse our deficiencies, where we can improve, where we can invest and then we go in search of that new name. We’ve been discussing what I’m going to do now since January. It’s not my decision or Mikel’s. It’s a group decision.”
Zirkzee drops hint
Arsenal target Joshua Zirkzee has dropped a heavy hint that he will remain with Bologna this summer. The Dutchman fired his side to qualification to the Champions League and has now revealed his intention to remain with the club for their European journey next season.
“At the moment my mind is only in Bologna. I want to recover from the injury, have some nice holidays in the United States with my childhood friends and then we’ll see what happens. I’d choose the best for the club. I will only do what makes sense in my heart,” he told Corriere di Bologna.
“Exactly, that’s what I said, and I’ll repeat it. It’s clear that for me it would be wonderful to defend this goal achieved together. What we experienced in Piazza Maggiore was unforgettable.”
