Arsenal could offer five players to Brighton in a bid to sign midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad further this summer. The Gunners have already spent around £144million in the transfer window, but the manager is keen to add more before the Premier League season opener against Coventry City.
Swap Deal Strategy
Club officials have reportedly contacted Hinshelwood's representatives, with an official bid ready to be made. However, Manchester United are also interested, so Arsenal may need to make their offer more attractive to Brighton. Player swaps have become a trend this summer, following Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson's switch between Everton and Crystal Palace. The Gunners could take inspiration from that deal and offer Brighton some of their own squad to reduce the £51m asking price.
Potential Makeweights
Gabriel Jesus is one of the most likely options, given Brighton's desire for a centre-forward and Arsenal's openness to letting him go. The Brazilian was omitted from the Gunners' Community Shield squad and has been linked with a move. Serie A side Napoli have registered an interest, with Arsenal keen to offload his £265,000-a-week wages. Brighton are in the market for a striker following Danny Welbeck's move to Chelsea and could consider the 29-year-old.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, who assisted Riccardo Calafiori's strike in Sunday's 3-0 win over Manchester City, has been linked with a move away. The England international was offered to Chelsea and Manchester United earlier this window, and could be used in a deal with Brighton. The 19-year-old can play across the middle of the park and both full-back positions.
Other Options
Ethan Nwaneri's departure remains likely after a loan to Marseille last season. The 19-year-old is under contract until 2030, and recent reports suggest AC Milan are interested. Brighton could take the winger to provide competition for Yankuba Minteh.
Martin Zubimendi, who joined from Real Sociedad last summer and won the Premier League title, has attracted interest from Real Madrid. With Bruno Guimaraes joining earlier this month for £75m, Zubimendi may see his game time reduced and could opt to move elsewhere.
Reiss Nelson is another Arsenal star linked with a move away, with his contract up at the end of the season. Benfica and Fulham registered an interest in July, and a cut-price deal could make him a sensible makeweight in a swap for Hinshelwood.
