There are now less than ten days remaining in the transfer window and Arsenal have so far added just one new senior face to the squad while there are still many players whose futures are yet to be decided. Negotiations are ongoing for a key target while offers have been batted away for some of the talent the club want to maximise profit on.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Sporting director Edu Gaspar is heading up the operation and working in collaboration with Mikel Arteta, newly appointed managing director Richard Garlick, and the executive hierarchy to close the window strongly. Arsenal could yet still add more players and are open to taking advantage of late opportunities in the market.
With that in mind, football discusses what a dream end to the window might look like. For both incomings and outgoings, there is a lot to do in just nine days.
The big question right now is where is Mikel Merino? The Spain international has been the subject of talks between Real Sociedad and Arsenal for some time with personal terms having been mutually agreed upon some time ago it is understood.
The La Real president came out recently on Spanish radio to explain that once Arsenal put forward a proposal they deem appropriate then they will relinquish control of the midfielder. However, it seems so far that a compromise has not yet been met.
That said, Arsenal appear to be getting closer and expectations are this is one that could indeed be completed. The earlier the better, but Arsenal will continue to try and get the best price possible.
Triple exit agreed
The three players who are most likely to depart between now and next Friday remain Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Aaron Ramsdale. The former has been subject to numerous bids from Marseille and more recently a £25million offer from Nottingham Forest but all have been rejected as the club hold out for at least £30million.
Ramsdale could leave the club on loan with Wolves interested in him becoming their new number one. While Nelson has had interest from some Premier League sides although no exit is clear.
Should Arsenal bring in more money for these three, it could open the door to more deals. The earlier the better of course, giving more time to assess options and take advantage of any market opportunities.
Signing a forward
In all likelihood, even if Nketiah is sold a new centre-forward is unlikely to be on the books come August 31. However, there is scope and willingness to find a wide player before the window closes although the potential candidates are not forthcoming.
Leroy Sane, Johan Bakayoko and Serge Gnabry have been mentioned although nothing so far has been firmed up. Arteta needs to find some competitive depth to the right hand side in particular.
Allowing Nelson, Smith Rowe and Nketiah to leave without bringing in a forward even with the promotion of Ethan Nwaneri and arrival of Mikel Merino would be ill-advised. It is proving to be a very exciting and anxious end to the summer window.