Arsenal are preparing for a busy summer transfer window
After a season which promised so much but delivered so little in terms of trophies, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will hope to use the summer transfer window to his advantage as he aims to finally assemble a team that can win the Premier League title.
The Gunners reached the semi-final of the Carabao Cup before falling short against Newcastle United, were eliminated on penalties in the early stages of the FA Cup to Manchester United, and failed to find the consistency of previous seasons to mount a genuine title push. But there’s still plenty of optimism the club can take from their journey in the Champions League and most notably their dismantling of Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, to believe that with the right recruitment the club can get their hands on the biggest prizes on offer.
Only a major collapse in the final two matches, and almost every conceivable result going against them, would prevent Arsenal from finishing inside the top five and securing some form of Champions League football. Therefore, I asked AI who the Gunners are likely to target to strengthen their team this summer, and this is the window of transformation it expects to see at the Emirates Stadium.
AI predicts stunning £177m Arsenal swoop
Arsenal are expected to be in the market for a striker to take the team to the next level this season. Gunners fans have been crying out for a centre forward for the last two seasons to get them over the line and give the team a clear attacking outlet. Alexander Isak from Newcastle is many fans' dream signing, but AI suspects his price tag of upwards of £150m could be too much for Arsenal to pay. Instead, AI suspects the Gunners will move for Ollie Watkins in a £70m deal after missing out on him in January.
Watkins has scored 16 goals in the top-flight this season and recently became Villas’ top scorer in the Premier League era. The England international has hit double figures in every league season since 2017 and is a constant source of creativity for those around him.
The Gunners are also likely to add fire power on the wings to take some of the pressure off Bukayo Saka. One name heavily linked is Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, who formed part of Spain’s Euro 2024 winning team. The winger reportedly has a release clause of £48m.
Elsewhere, in midfield, AI expects Arsenal to be successful in their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. In fairness, Fabrizio Romano might have got their first with this one. AI describes the trio as strong targets and lists Victor Gvokeres and Benjamin Sesko as having a moderate chance of being signed if a deal for Watkins can’t be agreed.
AI predicts ruthless 13 player clearout at Arsenal
Arsenal’s transfer policy is likely to involve a fair bit of balancing the book to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. With that in mind, as many as 13 players could leave, according to AI.
Italy international and Euro 2020 winner Jorginho is expected to leave on a free at the end of the season along with defensive midfield stalwart Thomas Partey who has also not yet signed an extension. Leandro Trossard could be moved on for around £25m to facilitate a new winger arrival while Raheem Sterling is unlikely to stay after a lacklustre loan spell.
Gabriel Jesus’ injury concerns could lead to him being moved on for around £30m though his exit would depend on a striker coming through the door. Oleksandr Zinchenko has struggled for football and is likely to be moved on along with Jakub Kiwior, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Marquinhos and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
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