Arsenal have not splashed any cash yet in the early stages of the transfer window but their fans needn’t worry.
It is still early in the summer with clubs assessing their targets, finalising their plans and, crucially, working out just what they have to spend under Profit and Sustainability rules. As they bid to close the gap on Premier League kings Manchester City, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will certainly get the chance to make some signings if desired.
The Gunners’ sporting director Edu said: “You can’t sign for the sake of signing. This has to be a process that takes weeks and weeks.
“On my table, I have reports with over 180 pages of a player. It is really detailed. Physical, technical, mental profile – if you have experience of Premier League, if you will be able to adapt. It has it all.
“We analyse our shortcomings, where we can improve, where we can invest and from there we go in search of this new name. What I am going to do now, we have been discussing since January. It is not my decision or Mikel. It’s from a whole group.”
It is reported the Spaniard could have around £200m at his disposal and that could go up further if other players are moved out. On his shopping list, ideally, is another striker so it’s no surprise Viktor Gyokeres’ name is continually mentioned.
The Sweden ace, 26, has enjoyed a brilliant season to help fire Sporting Lisbon to the title in Portugal, blasting in 43 goals and weighing in with 15 assists in all competitions after his move from Coventry just 11 months ago.
Can he now jump into the elite end of Premier League football? Arsenal would need to activate a reported release clause of around £85m to seal a deal for him and reports in Portugal suggest a deal is close.
Arteta is also keen to strengthen the Gunners midfield with German schemer Joshua Kimmich potentially an ideal acquisition. He is entering the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich where he’s won eight Bundesliga titles and a Champions League. But Kimmich, 29, is likely to be able to attract interest from most of Europe’s top sides if Munich do decide to cash in.
Arteta has spoken before about only making minor adjustments and bidding to get more out of the squad who came so agonisingly close to pipping City last season. But if academy products like Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson move out and possibly Aaron Ramsdale, the England keeper who fell down the pecking order last term, the boss’ ability to spend will increase.
Arsenal ins
NONE
Arsenal outs
Cedric Soares – Released
Mohamed Elneny – Released
Arthur Okonwo – Released
