Arsenal are set to ramp up their transfer market activity with a number of deals expected to be completed in the coming weeks as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad for the Premier League title defence.
Only One Senior Signing So Far
Piero Hincapie stands as the Gunners' sole senior signing after the 24-year-old defender made his loan spell from Bayer Leverkusen permanent for £34.5million last month. Jakub Kiwior has already departed north London for Porto. Movement is expected to accelerate as pre-season commences and the World Cup reaches its concluding phases, enabling Arsenal to concentrate entirely on squad enhancement.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has been allocated a transfer budget of £250million as Arsenal seek to construct a squad capable of defending the Premier League crown and finally achieving European success. A fresh midfielder and left winger remain atop Arteta's priority list, while defensive additions are also believed to be essential.
Surprise Approach for Former Manchester United Star
England international Ben White could be among the most high-profile departures from Arsenal this summer, having fallen down the hierarchy at right-back. White has struggled for game time since Jurrien Timber's breakthrough, while a string of injury problems across the last two campaigns have further stunted his development.
According to TEAMtalk, the Gunners have already compiled a list of 11 potential replacements should the former Leeds United defender opt to move on. Perhaps the most striking name on that roster is ex-Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The 28-year-old, who caught the eye during DR Congo's progression to the Round of 32 at the World Cup, is believed to be receptive to a transfer following relegation to the Championship with West Ham United last season. Widely considered one of the most formidable one-on-one defenders in England, Wan-Bissaka has already sparked interest from Everton and Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.
The other right-back options reportedly being monitored include Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, Newcastle's Tino Livramento, Barcelona's Jules Kounde, Real Madrid's Raul Asencio, Celta Vigo's Oscar Mingueza, RB Leipzig's Lutsharel Geertruida, Monaco's Vanderson, Roma's Wesley, Sporting CP's Ivan Fresneda and Feyenoord prospect Givairo Read.
Midfield Pursuit Receives Boost
Arsenal have received a welcome boost in their chase for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes. While the Magpies persist in claiming their skipper is not available, reports indicate an approach around £65m might be sufficient to lure the club into discussions.
The Gunners have already had a £45m offer turned down for the 28-year-old during this window as Arteta seeks to strengthen his midfield options. Negotiations are now anticipated to intensify following Brazil's World Cup elimination on Sunday evening.
Guimaraes ended the tournament with four assists but suffered a devastating exit after failing to convert a penalty in Sunday's 2-1 loss to Norway, who will now meet England in the quarter-finals. With his World Cup journey now concluded, Guimaraes is expected to focus entirely on sorting out his club situation, which could speed up progress regarding a possible switch to Arsenal.
