By AFCMAX9
In the midst of the excitement of a scintillating Euro 2020, and with the summer transfer window well under way, here’s a look at all that has happened transfer-wise concerning Arsenal, and a look at what we can expect in the coming months… INCOMINGS:
Let’s start with what everyone is most interested in, the signings. Whilst Arsenal have not officially confirmed any signings at the time of writing, there are several names rumoured to be very close to a move to North London.
Nuno Tavares – Less than a week ago, we fans had no idea that Arsenal were interested in signing the 21-year-old left back. However, the Portuguese youngster’s move to become a Gooner has been all but confirmed, with the player having travelled to England recently to sign his contract and undergo his medical. It has also been rumoured that Tavares rejected a late approach from Real Sociedad which was financially more beneficial, as he is keen to join Arsenal. The player will be announced in the near future and has signed for a reported €8,000,000 + add ons. Albert Sambi Lokonga – It has been reported for several weeks now that Arsenal are close to completing the signing of another 21-year-old in Albert Sambi Lokonga. The Belgian currently plays for Anderlecht and has been compared to have a similar player profile to Thomas Partey- impressive ball progression skills and good defensive output. The midfielder will join Arsenal shortly for a reported fee of €17,500,000. Ben White – The England centre-back is another player Arsenal have been heavily linked with throughout the last month and it looks as if he will be playing in London come next season. Despite talks slowing down in the last week or so, there is a common understanding that once the player has returned from international duty at the Euros, a deal will progress. After our first bid of £40,000,000 was rejected, it has been reported that a fee around £45,000,000 should be enough to reach an agreement with Brighton. Andre Onana – With Bernd Leno’s long-term future in doubt, reports broke weeks ago that Arsenal were looking at Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana as a potential replacement. Following the news that his ban was reduced to 9 months (from an original 12), many expected Arsenal to acquire the player for a cheap €7,000,000… but it hasn’t quite gone to plan. Arsenal have now been linked with a variety of other goalkeepers who may sign, and meanwhile the player has been rumoured with a potential switch to Inter Milan. Aaron Ramsdale – Luckily this isn’t the style of article where I offer my own opinions, because with this particular player it would be a rather depressing read. In the aim of filling the goalkeeper role, Arsenal are keen to sign a homegrown keeper- and Ramsdale seems to be top of the list. Sheffield United want an eye-watering sum of £30,000,000 for the player- and it appears no talks have taken off as of yet. Attacking Midfielders – I can summarise all of the potential links for a new creative signing in one bullet point because really, we haven’t progressed any talks with any player yet. It’s been reported James Maddison is admired by Arsenal and that the player would be open to a move to North London, but we are yet to approach Leicester and rumours have largely gone cold of late. Renato Sanches has also been linked, following an exchange of banter online with Gabriel Maghalaes, but nothing seems to be in the works yet. OUTGOINGS: Whilst it is important to sign players, moving players on seems to be just as much of a task for Arsenal this summer. Following the departure of Dinos Mavropanos to VfB Stuttgart, here’s a look at who else could leave the club in the near future…
Granit Xhaka – It is clear the player wants to leave Arsenal and that the club are ready to part ways. AS Roma sit firmly as the favourites for the Swiss captain’s next destination, however Italian giants Juventus have also registered an interest in recent days. Let’s hope for a bidding war of sorts between the two clubs, so we get a fee somewhat reasonable for a player so key to us this season. Matteo Guendouzi – The Frenchman, who’s Arsenal career has taken a sharp turn for the worse in the last 18 months, is close to joining Olympique Marseille on a €1,000,000 loan with an obligation to buy for a further €10,000,000. It’s a shame, really. He clearly has talent. William Saliba – The 20-year-old will also be heading to Olympique Marseille on a 1-year loan, much to the disgruntlement of Arsenal fans. His treatment from Mikel Arteta has raised many eyebrows amongst supporters, who struggle to see the sense in the lack of opportunities Saliba has received. There is no option to buy for Marseille, despite what L’Equipe reported yesterday. Lucas Torreira – It’s absolutely clear that the player and the club want to part ways this summer. The price tag for the 25-year-old has been set around €20,000,000 and following Uruguay’s exit from the Copa America, he will now look for a new club. Lazio are rumoured as the main party interested. Hector Bellerin – As with Torreira, Arsenal are looking for €20,000,000 if they are to cash in on Hector Bellerin. It is commonly understood that he will be leaving London this summer, it is simply a matter of when and where to now. Inter Milan, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid are said to be keen on signing the Spaniard. Going Forward… It seems Arsenal will have a lot to do in the remaining 58 days of the transfer window. The futures of the likes of Alex Lacazette and Calum Chambers need to be discussed and defined. We have several players we need to move on to raise funds. Most importantly, we still have several key signings in key areas to make. A lot to do, but a lot of promise. Let’s hope Arsenal do not disappoint.
wonderful article😍