Arsenal have four days left of the summer transfer window to complete their business, with Mikel Arteta braced for both incomings and outgoings. The Gunners have already made four signings for a total of £164million following their Premier League title win, but the squad is set for further changes before Monday's 11pm deadline.
Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier have all been brought in to strengthen Arteta's squad. However, there has to be balance both in the financial department and in the dressing room.
Gabriel Jesus notably didn't train with the squad on Thursday amid uncertainty over his future, although Gabriel Martinelli was still involved in their session despite his exit being more advanced. The two forwards are on the chopping block as Arsenal attempt to prise Julian Alvarez away from Atletico Madrid and finally end what's been a long-running saga.
Julian Alvarez saga continues
To put it bluntly: Arsenal want Alvarez, Alvarez doesn't want Arsenal. The Gunners' chances of bringing the former Manchester City star back to the Premier League remain slim with four days left of the summer transfer window.
Alvarez is still desperate to join Barcelona, despite Atletico's concrete stance that they'll 'never, never, never' sell him to their La Liga rivals. Atletico are, on the other hand, open to doing a deal with Arsenal but would demand around £128m.
It's been reported that Alvarez and his representatives held a five-hour meeting with Atletico chiefs on Thursday night to thrash out his future, which left the striker with two options: join Arsenal or stay in Madrid, where he was booed by supporters on Sunday.
Gabriel Jesus surplus to requirements
It's a sign of Arsenal's progress under Arteta that their statement signing from the summer of 2022 has naturally become surplus to requirements. A combination of injuries and loss of form has seen Jesus go from nailed-on starter to not even making the matchday squad.
Napoli were keen on the Brazilian until they discovered Arsenal's £20m asking price and Jesus' wage demands. That leaves him frozen out in North London.
Asked ahead of Monday's trip to Aston Villa why Jesus hasn't been training with the rest of his squad, Arteta replied: "Well, it's something to do with the numbers that we have in the squad at the moment and the way we're managing that kind of situation individually with all the players that have some personal situations."
It's understood that Jesus wants to make it 10 years in English football, a milestone which would help his residency status. Being a free agent next summer would also open more doors for the 29-year-old.
Martinelli and Vieira departures loom
Another player whose status at Arsenal has diminished over time is Martinelli, and it's expected that he'll secure a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for £55m. The Brazil international did train with Arsenal on Thursday but finished the session early - again for 'personal' reasons, according to Arteta.
It was clear from the outset that the Gunners wanted to sign at least one left winger this summer and Tzolis has made an impressive start following his £34m move from Club Brugge. It feels as if Martinelli hasn't reached his potential at the Emirates but at 25, he can command the biggest fee among Arsenal's transfer-listed players.
If Martinelli hasn't reached his potential for Arsenal, then Vieira hasn't even got off the ground. The midfielder nearly made as many appearances back on loan at Porto (42) two seasons ago than he has during his four-year spell with Arsenal (49).
Hamburg are keen to bring Vieira back to Germany after having him last season, but a deal is yet to materialise. The Portuguese featured in pre-season for the Gunners but like Jesus and Martinelli, he didn't make the matchday squad for either the Community Shield a fortnight ago or last Friday's 3-0 win against Coventry.
Meslier's future in doubt
Finally, could Meslier leave Arsenal less than two months after signing? Marseille are reportedly keen on the former Leeds goalkeeper after losing No.1 Geronimo Rulli to Manchester City.
Meslier seems to be third choice for Arsenal behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, but it'd be a surprise to see him depart. A loan deal, however, could work for all parties.
