Arsenal target No 9 and wide options in major summer transfer revamp | OneFootball

Arsenal Transfers: Strategic Moves Ahead of the Summer Window

As Arsenal prepare for a critical summer window, the tone at London Colney is one of cautious ambition. The Gunners are not expected to rip up their blueprint but rather refine it, building on the foundation laid under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal’s recruitment priorities are clear, and the need for depth in key positions is driving early transfer planning.

Arteta’s side pushed the limits last season with a limited squad, as he openly described it. The Spanish manager knows that strengthening depth without compromising quality is the only way Arsenal can keep pace with Manchester City and hold off emerging threats like Liverpool under Arne Slot.

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No 9 Search Continues as Arteta Seeks Ruthless Edge

The pursuit of a new No 9 is not merely about boosting numbers but about adding a cutting edge. Arsenal have been deliberating over a centre-forward signing for nearly a year, opting against action last summer and again in January. This time, they are expected to move decisively.

There is recognition at boardroom level that the time to strike is now. Arsenal have explored deals for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with senior figures weighing up the merits of both. The club are also mindful of budget constraints and potential resale value.

While Alexander Isak remains admired, his valuation makes a deal unlikely, and although Ollie Watkins was courted in January, Arsenal’s concerns over his price tag remain. Still, Watkins has not been completely ruled out.

Midfield and Wide Options Under Review

The club are expected to say farewell to Jorginho this summer, with Flamengo having agreed a pre-contract with the Italian. His departure opens a vacancy in the holding midfield role, and that gap is set to be filled by Martin Zubimendi. A deal with Real Sociedad has been all but agreed, subject to a medical, although fans may have to wait for July due to Real Sociedad’s preference for financial reasons.

Real Sociedad have expressed a preference for the deal to be ratified in July for accounting purposes.

In wider areas, Arsenal’s attentions are not just focused on the left, despite external speculation. There is a clear need for backup to Bukayo Saka on the right. Raheem Sterling’s loan from Chelsea is ending, and while there has been no formal notification, he is expected to leave.

“Raheem Sterling has not yet been officially notified that his time at Arsenal will not be extended, but the expectation is that he will leave when his loan from Chelsea expires at the end of June.”

Ethan Nwaneri has the versatility to operate out wide, but Arteta sees his long-term future through the middle. That leaves a void. Arsenal would ideally target a winger capable of operating on either flank, adding tactical fluidity.

Discussions have taken place with Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, who is out of contract this summer. Arsenal are monitoring developments, although Sane is happy in Germany and may yet renew. Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo was another considered, but the forward is understood to prefer a move to Manchester United.

Interest in Nico Williams of Athletic Club is longstanding. Arsenal coaches also admire Rodrygo of Real Madrid, though a deal for the Brazilian would be complicated due to the financial magnitude involved. Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon is also liked but would command a premium fee.

Reinforcements at the Back and Between the Sticks

Arsenal’s defensive reshuffle is already in motion. Kieran Tierney is on his way to Celtic, and Jorginho’s departure will be joined by other squad outgoings. But recruitment on the defensive side is also active.

There has been sustained interest in bolstering the centre-back department. With William Saliba and Gabriel established as first-choice, Arsenal are hunting for a promising young defender to complement them.

They made a serious push for Vitor Reis before the teenager opted for Manchester City in January and were also keen on Dean Huijsen before his switch to Real Madrid. Arsenal are not ruling out a late move for a player of similar profile, should one emerge in the coming weeks.

In goal, the club are scanning the market for an understudy to David Raya. Their interest in Joan Garcia of Espanyol has been well documented, but with Garcia appearing to be headed elsewhere, attention has now turned to alternative targets. Arsenal’s recruitment team are actively exploring a shortlist of options.

Meanwhile, the club have allocated fresh funds to academy boss Per Mertesacker, signalling continued investment in youth development alongside first-team upgrades.

Who’s Likely to Exit and What About Financial Fair Play?

There will be departures. Arsenal are fully compliant with both Premier League and UEFA’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), although the latter’s 70 per cent revenue cap for player and agent expenditure is more restrictive.

To maintain this balance, Arsenal are prepared to cash in on certain fringe players. Oleksandr Zinchenko could be sold following the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori and the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly. Reiss Nelson, who spent time on loan at Fulham but had hamstring surgery in February, could also depart if he proves his fitness.

Fabio Vieira’s future remains unresolved after his year with Porto. Karl Hein, who enjoyed regular minutes at Real Valladolid, is also keen to continue playing first-team football and may move on.

Albert Sambi Lokonga is another expected to leave. Arsenal triggered a one-year extension in order to protect his value, with Sevilla unlikely to take up the option to buy after his loan spell. Lokonga is open to staying in Spain.

“Kieran Tierney and Jorginho have agreed pre-contracts with Celtic and Flamengo, respectively.”

Sales from last summer, including Eddie Nketiah, Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith Rowe, have given the club breathing space. Arsenal’s strategy remains conservative but competitive. They will act where required but won’t be drawn into reckless spending.