As it happens in summer, transfer speculations are multiplying every day. This year's transfer window is no exception. Unfortunately, most of the information comes from unverified sources and so speculations that are miles away from the truth are circulating among fans and especially on social media. How to make sense of the flood of speculation? It's simple, follow reputable journalists and experts. Even in their case, however, it is not possible to rely with 100% certainty that the announced transfer will happen. Transfer sagas often resemble the frantic shootouts in the Wild West. Let's take a look together at where Arsenal stand so far in the transfer market.
Current situation at Arsenal
What's it like to be an Arsenal fan when the main competitors have long been strengthening and Arsenal, as is its wont, is still waiting? I'll tell you what, it's challenging. It's clear to anyone of at least average intelligence that transfers in the real world don't work the way they do in Manager, which I'm sure most of you know intimately. However, Arsenal's transfer (in)activity is quite frustrating for all supporters. Management Manchester City has already managed to bring in three high-profile signings: Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders. This is certainly not the end of Cityzens transfer activity. Liverpool broke the Premier League transfer record for a change, bringing in nearly £120 million Floriana Wirtze. In addition, the reigning champion was further strengthened Jeremie Frimpong and he should be on his way to Arne Slote's Milos Kerkez.
What about Arsenal? Apart from the arrival of Martin Zubimendiwhich should be complete (although it has not been officially announced by the club), nothing much is happening at the Emirates Stadium yet. Here and there there is some new information about the pair of Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško, but nothing groundbreaking so far. Other speculations, such as those regarding the Canaries' interest in Real Madrid's Rodrygo, are really just speculations.
Departures
Leaving aside the players whose departure from Arsenal is practically a done deal, the squad Mikel Arteta's several footballers whose departure from north London would make sense, especially from their point of view. We'll look at everything in turn, but let's start with the most significant, at least from my perspective.
The most talked about name of the last few days in the context of Arsenal departures is Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian north London footballer's contract expires at the end of June and negotiations on his extension are not going anywhere, so everything suggests that the experienced midfielder will leave Arsenal as a free agent. Thomas would follow Jorginho, who is headed to Brazilian side Flamengo after his contract expires. Losing Thomas is a huge mistake in my eyes, so I hope the club will still agree a contract extension with him. Otherwise, the midfield will need to be manned.
Logically, speculations are also multiplying for players who have their quality but still don't get as much space on the field. These are mainly defenders Oleksandra Zinchenko and James Kiwior. We will see how their situation will develop.The players who were on loan last season are expected to leave the club during the summer transfer window. The goalkeeper is expected to be Karl Hein, midfielders Albert Sambi Lokong and Reiss Nelson. There is also a question mark over his future at Arsenal Fábia Vieira. More likely than staying at the club is his departure.
Arrivals
In addition to the aforementioned arrival Martin Zubimendi (for a sum slightly in excess of £50m) Arsenal have not brought anyone else in so far. Sure, the speculation surrounding the club is myriad. But that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Until the Canaries' management officially finalises the arrivals of new reinforcements, nothing can be relied upon with certainty. Arsenal's interest in a new top striker is no secret. Nor is it a secret that Andrea Berta, who is in charge of transfers at Arsenal, has already held talks with Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šešek about a potential move to the Emirates Stadium. Unfortunately, neither player is close to a move to Arsenal at the moment.
At the beginning of the month there was information about a possible transfer of goalkeeper Kepy Arrizabalagabut in his case, too, it's been quiet for some time. Well, it has been. A few moments ago, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal between Chelsea and Arsenal on his social media! For a change, David Ornstein, another renowned journalist, published today that Arsenal are exploring the terms of the transfer Christian Nørgaard from Brentford. His price should be just under £10 million. The rest of the speculation is overwhelmingly not from relevant sources, so I won't give it any weight and therefore won't mention it.
My ideal idea of the summer transfer window
How should Arsenal management proceed? Priority is to resolve the situation of players whose contracts expire in north London as of the last week of June (specifically Thomas). Next, put players on the transfer list who are not being considered and start negotiations to sell them. And most importantly, bring in major transfer targets as soon as possible. A top striker, a winger and a solid goalie at the number two position should be absolute priorities. Talented players, or players to expand the squad, Arsenal may well be looking for towards the end of the transfer window. Ideally, it would be ideal to stabilise and fill the squad with difference players before the start of training, but that is unlikely to happen at the current rate.
A top striker, a winger, a defensive central midfielder/defensive midfielder (two in the current situation), a stopper/defender and a goalkeeper. I guess that's my very brief idea of who Arsenal should bring into their squad during the summer transfer window.
Attacker
Viktor Gyökeres or Benjamin Shesko? Or someone else entirely? From my point of view, the choice is clear, Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish goal scorer is a ready-made player at the age of 27. Moreover, he has experience in England and with his Jamie Vardy style of play he would bring something to Arsenal's offense that has been missing for a long time. Predation, directness and most importantly... goals! It's common knowledge that Mikel Arteta's dream striker is Alexander Isak. However, due to his extremely high price, the transfer of the Newcastle player is very unlikely.
If Arsenal management surprises everyone and brings in another difference player, I can think of examples Victor Osimhen or Lautaro Martínezno one's gonna be mad. Quite frankly, Arsenal's offense would be helped by Ollie Watkins, but from my point of view, he is not a player that would take the Canaries up a level. On the other hand, it's definitely a better option (for a reasonable amount of course) than not strengthening the offense at all.
Wing
I'm getting posts from all sides about how Arsenal need to get Rodrigo. If the financial situation allows, why not. But would his arrival be necessary? I don't think so, the Canaries boot is pushing especially at the tip of the attack. Although I am not the biggest fan of the Brazilian footballer, I believe he would help Arsenal a lot in their offensive game. But, there's one big but. Two, actually. The price tag and the fact that there is no official word anywhere that Rodrygo wants to leave Real Madrid. Therefore, I wouldn't be so attached to the skilful Brazilian and would paradoxically opt for one of the other and in most cases cheaper options.
Personally, I'm a big fan Xavi Simonswho could play multiple positions in the midfield, but his price will also be high. Arsenal could get other players for a reasonable amount. One of them might be Ademola Lookman, others like Justin Kluivert. If Arsenal bring in a TOP winger, there is no need to spend tens of millions more on a winger from my point of view.
Central midfielder(s)
After leaving Jorginha and the very likely departure Thomas Arsenal need to bring in at least two new faces in the centre of midfield. The first is Martín Zubimendiwho should immediately become a starting 11 player, replacing Thomas. Another new acquisition could be the aforementioned experienced Danish footballer Christian Nørgaard. His role on the team would most likely be similar to that of Jorginho, a rotation player in recent years.
I'd like to be by your side Declana Rice and Martin Ødegaard seen Bruna Guimarãesbut that's more of a daydream. Although I have not studied Martín Zubimendi's game, I believe he will be an asset to the team. The interest of other clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool speaks for itself. I also have no problem with Christian Nørgaard coming in for less than £10 million.
Defender
If a Japanese defender is finally available Takehiro Tomiyasu, so in my opinion there is no need for Arsenal to look in the market for a new defender. If there is a chance to sign a solid player for decent money then why not. However, I think Arsenal's defensive line is in an ideal state in terms of quality and personnel ahead of the new season. In case the club management decides to really look for a defensive reinforcement, it should be ideally right-handed, who can play at stopper or even on the edge of the defence. A great option is Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace, but I highly doubt his arrival because he would certainly not be Mikel Arteta's first choice.
Goalkeeper
A lot of music for not a lot of money. That's my idea of a goalie duo. The ideal candidate, who I honestly couldn't think of without speculation, is a Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Chelsea tribal player has years of experience in the Premier League and Champions League and even knows Arsenal's number one personally David Raya from the Spanish national team. And what's the best part of all this? Kepa has a ridiculous £5m buyout clause in his Chelsea contract. There's just nothing to talk about here! According to the latest information from Fabrizio Romano, the deal for his transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal should be complete!
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Editor, administrator and editor of the True Gunner Diary website, but above all a devoted Arsenal fan. I started with sports articles at the Tipsport bookmaker, where I have published more than 100 blogs. If you want to know more about me, check out the section of the same name here on the site.