The transfer window is officially open and Arsenal are preparing for a crucial summer of business. The Gunners are Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years and are looking to now kick on and ensure that success was not a one-off.
Arteta's Future and Ambition
Mikel Arteta's future is the key priority for the club's hierarchy, with the Spaniard about to enter the final year of his contract. There is confidence that an agreement will be reached and Arteta is in line for a contract that could double his salary. Arteta is pushing Arsenal to strengthen the squad this summer and called for 'ambitious' action after the Champions League final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.
Priority Positions
Arsenal plan to sign a left winger and that is the top focus for sporting director Andrea Berta. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both had long spells without scoring this season and that is viewed as a position that could be significantly upgraded. The Gunners are also in the market for a midfielder, whether that be a No6 or a No8. There is the possibility that Arsenal move for a versatile defender as well, one that could cover at full-back on the left and the right. While the squad is well-stocked there when everyone is fit, that has rarely happened with the current crop of full-backs and there is a desire to further bolster that area of the pitch.
Potential Incomings
Arteta is a big admirer of Morgan Rogers and would love to bring him to north London this summer. Aston Villa do not want to sell but their difficult financial position could open the door for an exit. It is expected that Villa would hold out for a fee in excess of £100 million. Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi is on Arsenal's shortlist too after a brilliant first season in England. However, Bournemouth's stance is even firmer than Villa's in that they view the Frenchman as not for sale. The Cherries have emphasised to Kroupi that he would benefit from another season at the club, particularly after European football was secured. While that stance could be tested with a huge bid, it would likely take an offer in the region of £100 million.
Club Brugge's Christos Tzolis has emerged as a target and the Greek forward would be keen on joining Arsenal. He is valued at £35 million and if Arsenal did make a move for him, it would not impact the club's ability to make a marquee signing like Rogers. Bradley Barcola's situation is also being monitored. The Frenchman has two years left on his contract and PSG have so far been unable to agree a deal, raising the possibility that they decide to cash in this summer.
Julian Alvarez was a player Arsenal considered last summer when it was initially thought he could be available. However, it soon became clear he would remain at Atletico Madrid and the Gunners moved for Viktor Gyokeres instead. Alvarez is still highly-rated among those at Arsenal but a deal is viewed as very unlikely. There has been a sense at Arsenal for much of this season that Barcelona are favourites to sign him, and that would be the player's preference.
The Gunners are still pushing to wrap up a deal for Leicester winger Jeremy Monga. Personal terms are not believed to be an issue, but agreeing a fee for the 16-year-old has dragged on amid reported interest from Brentford. In midfield, initial contact has been made over a move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is valued at around £70 million. Sandro Tonali continues to be linked but no serious approach has been made. Arsenal enquired about West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes earlier in the summer but there is a growing expectation that he will join Manchester United.
Potential Outgoings
Arsenal would be open to selling Gabriel Jesus this summer, with the Brazilian out of contract at the end of next season. However, there is no intention of doing so on the cheap. Arsenal have put a £20 million valuation on Jesus and if that is not met he will stay at the club and leave as a free agent next summer. With the club pushing to sign a left winger, at least one of Martinelli or Trossard are likely to be on the move. Bayern Munich have ongoing interest in Martinelli, while Besiktas are among the clubs said to be keen on signing Trossard.
There is a decision to make on Martin Odegaard's future too as he enters the final two years of his contract. With sales required this summer to help fund recruitment, a big first-team departure has not been ruled out and Odegaard would attract a huge fee. However, it is doubtful whether Arteta would sanction the exit of his captain, even if others in the club's hierarchy might be more open to it.
Myles Lewis-Skelly's future was in major doubt until he grabbed his chance in midfield with both hands. It now looks likely he will stay at the club. Ben White could leave, particularly if Arsenal sign another full-back, and the club would listen to offers for Christian Norgaard. There is uncertainty over Ethan Nwaneri's situation. A frustrating loan spell at Marseille has stalled his development and there is no obvious pathway into the Arsenal first team for the teenager as it stands. The Gunners are not pushing to sell but a significant offer for Nwaneri would be considered.
Talks are taking place with Hamburg to try and reach a permanent agreement for Fabio Vieira, who spent this season on loan at the German club. Hamburg did not want to activate their option to buy for around £19 million and want to negotiate a fee closer to £9 million. Arsenal are unwilling to sell for what they consider to be less than a fair market price. Jakub Kiwior has joined Porto for an initial £14.7 million, while Reiss Nelson will return to Arsenal this summer and the club are hoping to find a permanent move for him.
