Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta faces some big questions in the rest of the transfer window, from huge outgoings to potential extra incomings.
Arsenal’s summer transfer window appears to have gone to ρłɑɴ so far as they’ve strengthened the core without losing any key players. New contracts for the likes ofBukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelliand more has shown the position the club are in as they push towards the very top.
Ԁєɑłs forKai HavertzandJurrien Timberwere completed swiftly, while the club record for a transfer incoming was smashed with the addition ofDeclan Ricefor up to £105million. The former West Ham captain was a top target for the Gunners, as ɾєρօɾτed byfootball.londonearlier in the year, and they’ve managed to land him.
With just over one month of the window left for all clubs, there’s still some work to be done, as confirmed by the manager himself. “Let’s see, there is a lot of time still in the market,” Arteta told the press in a recent outing in pre-season. “There is a lot of expectation with some of our players. We will have to see how things develop in the next few weeks. We will be alert, there is still time to do things, there is still time for exits obviously, so I am sure things will move.”
Exits are still very much a possibility for Arsenal to Ԁєɑł with, as the clock continues to tick down until deadline day, with incomings also on the cards. Arteta will have to tread with caution though as any mistake could be costly to his side and their chances over the next season.
With that said, here’s a look at the current questions facing the manager and his Arsenal squad in the final month or so of the transfer window.
The futures of players in the squad
One thing that will have to be determined is where the future may lie for each individual within the squad, their role and how happy they will be with such responsibility. TakeKieran Tierneyfor example, a left-back that has gone from being a key player to only fulfilling a role in the squad last season.
The Scotland international is 26 years old, nearing his peak and has a profile that perhaps won’t fit the style implemented by Arteta. On top of that his quality brings about interest, which could all result in a move, however if there is happiness around his position and a willingness to stay, then perhaps a large price tag or no exit at all could suit all involved.
Thomas Parteyis another that may fit into that category, having been linked with an exit this summer and with plenty of younger options available to replace him. However, there is experience and an understanding of the roles setup in the team, meaning another huge bid or no sale at all could be his position.
There’s then the pathway for those players that want to make it at the very top level, most notablyFolarin Balogunafter his impressive loan spell with Reims. Arguably, there’s as many as three players currently ahead of him in the pecking order, and given his desire to play regular football a move could be best.
In all, an exit for these three alone, plus the likes ofNicolas Pepe, Cedric Soares, Rob Holding, Auston TrustyandCharlie Patinopotentially leaving, as much as £100million could be recouped. Whether that fits into the ρłɑɴ remains to be seen though and questions must be asked over how the squad is shaped and will be shaped going forwards.
Incomings
The next big thing for Arteta to reflect upon is the potential for further incomings in the rest of the window that could strengthen his squad. At this stage, with the majority of business seemingly done by the Gunners, it becomes a battle of wanting a player or needing a player.
On one єɴԀ of the spectrum, there’s needing a player, someone that undoubtedly makes the team better and is required to take them to the next level. The other is wanting a player, someone who may look good and offer plenty to the side but may not necessarily fit the ρłɑɴs going forward.
Michael Olise is one player linked and while the Crystal Palace youngster is clearly talented and has plenty of promise, he’d be challenging Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson for minutes and would have to make them count in a season that relies on players stepping up. In all, it would be an environment and squad situation that simply wouldn’t suit him.
Mohammed Kudus is another that has been linked, but he could find space into the team in a more advanced role if required. However, it’s one that would likely have to be completed after some exits to ensure that the balance of the squad is completely fine.
In all, it’s a juggling act for those in charge at the club, one that requires reflection and introspection to decide which players must stay and go, must come in and must not. It’s tough, but the world of football has changed to where these decisions have to be made or you risk being left behind.
