One of the very few and I mean very few Journalists that can be relied upon to give an insight into Arsenal’s transfer plans is the BBC’s, David Ornstein. So I thought that with so much gossip and ridiculous prices being bandied about that it would pay to analyse what Ornstein said.
This will give us a better perspective on some of the transfer rumours doing the rounds at the moment.
Now, one big caveat, Orsmtein can only predict so much and even he will be kept in the dark on some plans.
This is what he said.
“I don’t think it will be the most spectacular summer for Arsenal but I do think they have some very important business to be done.
“It all depends on their budget. If they’re playing Europa League football next season it looks like it will be around £40m. If it’s Champions League it would be significantly higher. They also have revenue streams coming on board with the new Adidas kit deal.
“If it’s Europa League you’ve got to remember it’ll be their third year in that competition. They’ve also heavily invested in the last year or so, especuially in the striking department, and they are adamant they will not break Financial Fair Play.
“Despite still waiting to appoint a Technical Director/Sporting Director/Director of Football, they still have identified targets and conversations are underway. They are looking for experience and youth in their recruitment.
“Their priorities are a central defender, Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph mentioned the Getafe and Togo centre-half, Djené, he’s under contract until 2023 with a reported value of £13.5m.
“The other priority is a box to box midfielder. Previously, in January, they came close to a deal for Christopher Nkunku from PSG – this is course is to replace Aaron Ramsey. Adrian Rabiot is a player they’ve tried to sign in the past, and they have a long-standing interest in him, however he is a complex individual and has had some issues off the pitch.
“As a sort of secondary brief they’d be looking for a wide forward and in January came close to a deal for Ivan Perisic, and had interest in Yannick Carrasco. Possibly a centre-forward with Danny Welbeck leaving, and Eddie Nketiah would go on loan if they did bring a centre-forward in.
“There is interest in bringing in a left back and possibly a right back, but again those are secondary to the centre-half and box to box midfielder.
“Not to forget they’d be looking to integrate young players too. Reiss Nelson coming back from his loan, Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock and Bukayo Saka who is said to be the most highly rated prospect – he’s a wide forward, but extremely young.”
For me, these are the key points
They are looking for experience and youth in their recruitment
Their priorities are a central defender
The other priority is a box to box midfielder
As a sort of secondary brief they’d be looking for a wide forward
Possibly a centre-forward with Danny Welbeck leaving
There is interest in bringing in a left back and possibly a right back
looking to integrate young players too
So, let’s take these one at a time
They are looking for experience and youth in their recruitment
That will explain why they are being linked with the likes of Gary Cahill and so many teenagers like William Saliba. However, you have to think that is in relation to their key targets and not experience or youth in just any department.
Their priorities are a central defender
Well, that cannot be Saliba if he is being loaned back to St Etienne as the French club are insisting and again, maybe that is where Gary Cahill comes in, both a central defender and experienced, ticks both boxes, That is not to say that it is Cahill they will go for, just an understanding behind the gossip. Some will say why bring him in when we have Laurent Koscielny. It is all about money, sell Kos for £10 Million get Cahill for free, that is £10 Million banked without weakening that position.
The other priority is a box to box midfielder
This is a given but who have they really been linked with that fulfils that role? There is Jordan Veretout but it seems he is AC Milan bound, then Denis Praet but is he really box to box? but he maybe set for AC milan according to some reports. Maybe Christopher Nkunku but he could be on his way to Leipzig, so who knows and are any of them really like what Aaron Ramsey was? There is always Alex Iwobi to try in that role.
As a sort of secondary brief, they’d be looking for a wide forward
Been loads of them, Ryan Fraser, Yannick Carrasco, Wilfried Zaha and Keita Balde. Zaha seems out of reach, Carrasco too much baggage, Fraser has gone quiet and the new one is Balde. There are enough candidates and let’s not forget Reiss Nelson and Xavier Amaechi and at least they fulfil the youth criteria.
Possibly a centre-forward with Danny Welbeck leaving
Eddie Nketiah has to be a consideration but a lot will depend on what they do with Aubameyang, sell him and maybe two new strikers will be brought in, this one remains very much up in the air.
There is interest in bringing in a left back and possibly a right back
Kieran Tierney, enough said. Arsenal want him, Celtic want £25 Million, seriously, why is this one not done already?
looking to integrate young players too
That will depend on who they sign, of course, I doubt they will go with youth for Central defender, box to box midfielder or any defensive role but the wings and centre forward could be the areas where they go with the youngsters.
So, in conclusion
Central defender – unlikely to be a teenager or youth player, most likely an experienced one but not necessarily in their 30’s
Box to box midfielder – So far I have been unable to identify any real prospects despite so many links.
Wide forward – lots of names in the frame and a possible position for one of the young players to be promoted.
Central forward – possibly a promotion for Eddie Nketiah but all depends on Aubameyang situation.
Left-back or right back, maybe both – I feel that if Kieran Tierney is acquired that will be that and it looks likely to happen.
Now, this is my interpretation, I am sure many of you view it absolutely differently.