Arsenal have been one of the most quiet clubs in the summer transfer window as they attempt to dethrone Manchester City of the Premier League title.
Only two players have arrived in north London this summer, whilst six players have departed the Gunners with more rumoured to be heading for exit door.
PLAYERS IN
Despite a lack of incomings, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar have ensured they secured the services of goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent deal worth €32m after an impressive season where the Spaniard secured the golden glove. Raya was a vital cog in the Arsenal manager’s system after displacing Aaron Ramsdale early in the season.
The other signing has been Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori in a deal worth €43m. The left sided defender, who can play at centre back or left back, impressed for Italian side Bologna as they qualified for the Champions League for the first time under manager Thiago Motta. The 22-year-old also performed well for Italy at this summer’s European Championships, and will compete with Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior for a place in the back line.
PLAYERS OUT
Whilst there has been slim pickings for arrivals, Arsenal have seen six players depart the club. The most notable sale being Emile Smith Rowe, with the 24-year-old joining fellow Premier League side Fulham in a club record deal worth £34m. The Hale End academy graduate departs for west London after 115 appearances for the Gunners.
Other departures included Egyptian midfielder and fan favourite Mohamed Elneny, who called an end to his Arsenal career after eight and half successful years in north London. Cedric Soares and young goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo both left for free after their contracts expired, whilst Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga departed on loan to Lazio and Sevilla respectively.
There have been talks of further exits, with Reiss Nelson and more prominently Eddie Nketiah linked with moves away from the Emirates. Nelson has been subject to interest from West Ham whilst reports say Arsenal have rejected a bid from French side Marseille for Nketiah.
WHAT STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE
The search for a new number nine is still on for Arsenal, who currently have Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz operating in that position. Links to Ivan Toney have cooled significantly, whilst interest in signing Viktor Gyökeres and Victor Osimhen has remained low key.
Mikel Merino looks the most likely to be the next player to sign for Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta reportedly a big admirer of the Euro 2024 winner. Merino is entering the final year of his contract at Spanish side and would cost around €30m. The Spaniard’s signing would add further depth to the Gunners midfield, with Thomas Partey’s fitness an issue and the risk of burning out Declan Rice a possibility.
