So the first transfer window of the summer is closed.
To clarify, the market opened slightly early to give those participating in the Club World Cup a chance to freshen up their squads, hence why Man City and Chelsea rushed through some of their business.
Over the next week, there will still be the usual rumours, journalists on social media with their “sources,” and plenty of negotiations with agents behind the scenes.
Yet from 19:00 on Tuesday, no deals will be officially confirmed until 16th June.
I thought this would be a good time to reflect on the links being made, what we need, what we don’t, and what might come next.
20 Players Released
On Arsenal’s official website, 20 players across all departments have been confirmed as leaving on free transfers.
We already knew that Kieran Tierney and Jorginho would not be having their contracts extended.
Three names were separately listed as players Arsenal are still in negotiations with, one of them being Thomas Partey, although the 31-year-old is entitled to speak to other clubs.
Arsenal Make Money
We already knew that, during his loan spell in Italy, Nuno Tavares did enough to trigger a clause obligating Lazio to sign him permanently for £5 million.
As part of the deal, Arsenal will receive 25 percent of any future sale, with Lazio reportedly considering flipping him immediately to make a profit, such is the left-back’s growing reputation in Serie A.
Cruzeiro have also made Marquinhos’ return to Brazil a permanent one for £2.5 million.
Striker the Priority!
In January, Mikel Arteta admitted his squad was short in attack and needed help.
Many Gooners were therefore upset when no business was done, and Arsenal were left chasing Liverpool while relying on a teenager, a midfielder as a makeshift forward, someone on loan with zero confidence, and full-backs as attacking subs.
So the Gunners are under massive pressure this summer to bring in a striker, and get it right.
Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres have both been linked to the Emirates for over a year.
Last summer, both confirmed they were happy to stay in Germany and Portugal respectively, with a gentleman’s agreement that their clubs would not stand in their way this summer if their valuations were met.
It’s believed that our manager has been a fan of Šeško for years, with various scout reports suggesting the 22-year-old has a high ceiling. The club have been willing to wait for their No. 1 target, hence why they held off in January.
It’s been rumoured that Andrea Berta prefers Gyökeres but respects that Šeško has been a long-term target, and the Director doesn’t want to undermine negotiations with Leipzig that may have started months ago.
There’s enough money for both, but it will be only one.
As this early window closes, Šeško appears to be first pick.
Real Madrid Hijack?
As with Declan Rice a few years ago, it was suggested in January that a deal for the summer had already been agreed for Martín Zubimendi.
The 26-year-old has a release clause, so Arsenal assumed months ago that the deal was sealed when the midfielder verbally said yes.
The only issue is, he kind of did the same thing with Liverpool before changing his mind at the last minute.
That’s why it’s unclear whether Real Madrid making a phone call at the 11th hour is legitimate interest or just the usual rumour mill chatter that comes when players are away with their national teams.
It was inevitable that the Spanish media would ask about his future during the international break, and what was he meant to say?
What’s in Arsenal’s favour is that we’re in a stronger financial position than Real Madrid when it comes to PSR rules.
The Spanish giants would prefer to offer players in exchange, while Real Sociedad would rather have cash. They know that we are not just willing to trigger the release clause, we’re even open to paying slightly more if it allows for a more generous repayment plan.
But if you’re a Spaniard, the dream is to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid, the only two clubs who could cause a U-turn.
If that happens, have Arsenal lined up a Plan B?
Potential Bargain?
With Neto’s loan spell now over, Arsenal need to find backup for David Raya.
They could simply sign another experienced keeper on loan, but they’ve discovered that Kepa Arrizabalaga has a £5 million release clause.
A chance to get someone who knows the Premier League, and who can step in if anything happens to our No. 1, for just £5 million? That’s a no-brainer.
After a decent season at Bournemouth, the 30-year-old likely has other options where he can be more than a backup.
Arteta can offer him the Cup games, but that’s probably the best he can expect.
That said, our manager has previously spoken about wanting proper competition in every position, believing it brings out the best in everyone.
AM / Wide Midfielder Options
While the likes of Šeško and Zubimendi have been strongly linked since January, rumours around an attacking or wide midfielder have been far more varied.
In fact, it might be a position some Gooners want to strengthen more than Arteta does, especially if Leandro Trossard signs a new deal.
Since the window opened, multiple outlets have reported that Rodrygo is high on Andrea Berta’s shortlist.
However, Spanish and English sources claim the Brazilian wants to speak with Xabi Alonso first.
Even though the 24-year-old has dropped down the pecking order at Real Madrid, it would take Alonso outright telling him he’s not part of his plans for any move to become realistic.
Even then, the asking price would be massive, and there are cheaper alternatives.
Nico Williams, for example, has a £65 million release clause. That’s cheaper in theory, but he would want to become one of our highest earners.
The compromise could be Leroy Sané.
The German is a free agent, meaning Arsenal could justify matching his wage demands without paying a fee.
At 29, and with an injury history, Bayern Munich aren’t willing to match the offers he’s receiving from clubs in Turkey – with Galatasaray emerging as front-runners for his signature.
Arteta worked with him at Man City, but could he justify that salary when he already has depth out wide?
Martinelli’s Future?
The 23-year-old divides opinion in the fanbase, but he’s clearly a talent Arsenal could cash in on if they decide to spend big on a left-sided forward.
The domino effect could begin if Bayern Munich succeed in signing Rafael Leão from AC Milan. According to the Italian press, Martinelli would then become Milan’s top target.
The Summer Transfer Window reopens on 16th June. Do you have belief that Arsenal will start landing top targets then?
Dan Smith
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Galatasaray are offering Sane around £12.7m per year, so Arsenal can forget about him
I think Arsenal will end up loaning Joao Felix from Chelsea to compete with Martinelli and Saka on the wings, since Chelsea have given his jersey number to Essugo
We could expect Trossard getting sold if Felix comes
As for Sesko, I think Arsenal will look for a cheaper tall CF till the end of the transfer window, since no other big European clubs are interested in him
@Gai, imo, JFelix wasn’t outstanding playing in Epl, I wish Arsenal should go for amaque players if we are ambitious next season to win a major trophy. We saw what good buys can do ie DRice. I wish we can test Bouthmout resolve for Semenyo he will be a good wide player to compete with Matinelli. Imo, he is an upgrade to JFelix.
I still think Arsenal have what it takes to buy Sesko, I don’t see him going to Saudi.
Semenyo is good, but I think Arsenal will choose the cheaper option in Felix after splashing the cash for Zubimendi and Sesko
Literally none of the above will happen, except Sane’s move to Galatasaray, but for a far lower salary (their highest paid are Icardi and Osimhen, 9m)
We will go nowhere near Felix and IF we sadly end up calling Chelsea again, it will be if somehow Neto becomes available as they are also targeting a LW. Fingers crossed we dont.
Trossard will not be sold, unless we expect 2 additions on the wings.
As far as the Sesko estimation is concerned, be CERTAIN that we will overspend there, either that being Sesko, Gyokeres or whoever is a tall prettyboy with blonde hair.
Also, if you remember how your previous wants about top players we should sign turned out(for example Chukweze, Adama Traore-remember the constant spams), you would expect that you would be more hesitant with your predictions.
The latest news is that Mr Kronkie is going to invest up to £248 million this summer and that includes Zubimendi and Sesko.
It’s also being rumoured that no first team squad player is to leave, except Zinchenko if a suitable offer is forwarded.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see if the half glass full amongst us or the half glass empty ones will be proven correct.
Sorry £324 million!!
That won’t be our net spend
Probably not Dan, as we don’t need to spend that much, but it’s nice to know Mr Kronkie has earmarked that kind of figure for our club wouldn’t you say?
No because I don’t believe it has
It’s for the likes of you
He knows in 12 months time fans with you will just repeat the cycle
You could be right, as I’ve been doing it for over 70 years Dan, long before the Kronkies wwee heard of!!
No surprise here Ken, it was long rumored over £300 mill will be spent, as the gaffer is expected to be back to the hilt once more.
Young unproven signing as Sesko shows the gaffer will be going nowhere
324 million !
Absolutely no chance ,be lucky with half that and spread over a number of years on transfers .
Wages alone on 2 new players could top 30 million a year .
I will be right lol
Let’s all wait and see.
That’s good summary Dan. It’s much better and more detailed compared to some of the wild rumours we’ve heard recently. I think Zubimendi is pretty much done but Real Sociedad apparently requested for it to be completed in July for financial reasons- it’s not a big deal. Pre season is not here yet and we can wait. We’ve had such a good relationship with Real Sociedad and accepting such a request is better than forcing the move and souring that relationship. We could still need a player from them in the future.
Is the Zubimendi to Arsenal the longest running “Nearly Finalised” rumoured signing in our history?
The rumour came from out of nowhere in January when the talk was about “Striker this Striker that..”.
Now five months later we are still hearing “It’s nearly finalised.
🤞🙏😁
Great summary Dan. Exactly what I was thinking.
How much of the £324 million will be spent this window?
Not too long before we find out TJ – at least we seem to have a ball park figure to work on…. if this is true of course.
Ken, I hope it’s true. Now comes the nerve-wracking wait and the press will only make it worse.
Net spend it won’t be close mate
Realistically we will spend £150 million- Sesko, Zubimendi and some other player who is on the rumour mill. That’s not even half of what’s been promised
Very simply since having power on our board go look at our net spend every summer then ask yourself why would they suddenly care and spend 324 million lol
I think it’s the introduction of Berta that will push the net spend. I think they are taking a low-risk gamble by allowing a larger budget in the hope that we will do better and earn winnings, whilst also being able to claim silverware. An alternative theory is that they are worried about how much city115 and liverpoo are spending, so they feel pressured to spend more.
I thought Arsenal would immediately sign not 1 but 2 or 3 game changers as soon as the window was opened to make the fanbase hopeful about the upcoming season and erase the disappointments of last season. Our key rivals have signed at least 1 player when Arsenal bosses were divided who to sign. Did the window come suddenly for them as this year’s window took a different turn done in a staggered manner? Or did they think it was only permissible for cwc participants? The disappointment continues even in the post season disregarding the interests of the fanbase. Do the season ticket holders or potential buyers worry or fret over the lack of action as intensely as the rest?
Zubimendi has said that he doesn’t want to play for another Spanish club, presumably out of loyalty to his existing club and perhaps the Basque region in general, so I think there is a good chance that his transfer will get over the line.
I always wait till a transfer is announced on Arsenal website
Transfers can fall apart even after the the medical.
Also so many years I’ve had my hopes broken so I have learnt from the past.
Zubimendi isn’t necessarily a done deal. Once he’s on the Arsenal website then that’s different
Also MA may do a Havertz or a loan like Sterling again lol. We don’t know for certain that he’s interested in Sesko, Gyokeres, etc
I’m not trying to get people down or be pessimistic. MA did great with getting RICE.
But I think not keeping your hopes up to high can be beneficial to your mental health lol
Surprises are always possible, but it would be a shock to me if we don’t sign Zubimendi now. My confidence mainly comes from the fact we need a top number 6 (regardless what happens with Partey), and there is very little chatter about our pursuit of an alternative. Not sure which striker we will get, but sure we will get someone. A left sided wide player is expected, but not sure it will be a marquee signing. Considering how many players we have that can fill in at left back, we are not desperate to sign one, but it wouldn’t shock me if we did.
Three better managers(who will be challenging for the league )have already Brought in players in the first window .
It maybe all well and good bringing in players a month or 2 later but mini Pep needs all the help he can get ,cannot go another season (process)with every excuse flying out his mouth .
There will be excuses though
Hesitation, which will eventually lead to the narrative “we tried, but we couldnt get the deal through in time, the player wasnt available etc etc”). Still cant understand why we are aiming for Hato (or whatever left back he is thinking of getting) when there were 3 good affordable options in the PL (Ait Nuri-Man. City, Kerkez-Liverpool, Robinson-still at Fulham) and when we have already purchased Calafiori, Zinchenko, moved up skelly at that spot, released Tierney etc. How many wrong moves does it take to go and shop whats infront of his eyes?
Not to mention the Sesko fiasko, which irrespective of the end result, shows that he is willing to take a risk for the club just to prove that he was right all along.
the transfer bussiness at Arsenal are science fiction.
We are linked every year with some of the bigger names out there only to grab 1-2 halfway decent lads to help out. Anyone who has t=intentions to win the league after 3 year finishing 2nd would not be looking at Sesko and his potential . They would buy the finished item in Gyokeres and put him at #9 and not worry about Havertz. That is what ruthless managers with winning mentality do, Look at Liverpool . Way ahead in terms of players and their quality . We will finish maybe 2nd again but 15 points adrift. I am so sick of the transfer sycle at this club.
The Arsenal aren’t linking themselves to every Tom Dick and Harry, the media are!!
Just because Liverpool have announced signings, I haven’t noticed a rush to complete deals elsewhere – apart from the clubs going to the CWC. What does it matter? Have we missed out on a player that has gone to a rival elsewhere? Arsenal have hired a top negotiator and are linked with every Tom, Dick and Harry because they don’t generally give much away to the media.
It’s mid June. The players who weren’t picked for international duty will already be on holiday followed shortly by those who were. People need to calm down
SueP
This transfer window is going to give some fans a nervous break down.
Not sure they will take your advise and calm down 🙂
I dont get why people are shocked
We know Man City have more ambition then Arsenal
They were always going to hit the market hard
Look what they spent in January compared to us
Owe have different personalities Dan. I’m willing to wait and see. Not until the dying embers of the window, but I’m not getting my knickers in a twist in mid June. What City have done is their business. Their season was far worse than ours – many players leaving – and they are in the CWC thingy. They needed to act to a) ensure CL next season and b) make a good showing in the up coming tournament
Didn’t you kind of say the same in January?
Gunsmoke
I think we all have anxieties over the transfer window, but it really is early days and so much depends on the merry-go-round of players moving on to create openings.
I really don’t try and second guess what the club will do. The window will reopen soon enough
Hi Admin
My post to Gunsmoke didn’t appear. Also, it appears that nobody else has posted for ages
Working on it
Thanks
SueP,
I’m having the same trouble to.🤷♂️
Agreed, though one player we’ve been extensively linked with was Sverre Nypan. Obviously wouldn’t be a starter for us if we get Zubimendi and retain Thomas, and speculation seems to be that he might therefore have perceived a better chance at making the squad occasionally at City.
It may be a blessing in disguise though if it puts a rocket up the club to get our more pressing concerns solved rapidly.
Good all rounded article, would have loved it if you put your own estimation/wants in the end of each paragraph.
My estimation is that we will indeed go for Kepa at gk (great price, good backup gk, unsure if we should pay such a high salary for backup GK), we will finalise the zubimendi deal 1st day of July (rumored that Sociedad asked for this), we will unfortunately go all in for Sesko at ST(would definitely prefer going for Isaak and spend less on LW or even dont get one now) and i expect two more transfers, one at LW and one more addition in defence, either LB or right centerback, depending on the Tomiyasu and Zinchenko situations. Also heard some pretty solid rumours about Karetsas, but i dont know how that fits in the planning for this year.
Good soothing pain killer. Thanks SueP as you’ve shown your concern about the mentality of the fans when the AFC hierarchy kept quiet sitting on their hands. At least we should have seen by now 1 (one) signing than deliberate with friends over the signings of rival clubs. The recent signings are the result of works done a few months back as I believe whom to sign at what conditions had been done before the conclusion of last season. Maybe Berta’s late arrival delayed the proceedings at AFC. Wenger signed Mertsacker and et al in a day so we expect multiple signings at once in a similar fashion when the window reopens next week.
Considering last seasons transfer fiasco, I’d be getting worried. The clubs mentioned above have been snapping up the best young talent while we are going to have to compromise with whatever else is available and at a seller’s price. The fact that our fan base is so divided over who to choose between Sesko and Gyokeres is not a sign that we are spoiled for choice but sends warning signals that many fans remain unconvinced by either. While I agree that it is too early to panic, I am not as calmly dismissive as Sue P. The players already being signed, sealed and delivered by other clubs are good players who would have definitely strengthened our squad.