This summer, Arsenal's attention is focused on the centre-forward position. However, the club has done and is doing impressive business in other positions, with the potential to land some very high-profile stars.
They have already confirmed the deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga with an announcement of Martin Zubimendi’s arrival expected imminently. There are further talks over deals for Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera in addition to a potential high-profile move for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
There is hope of a winger too with Rodrygo’s name popular among those at the club who could look to pounce on an opportunity should it emerge for them. However, despite the treat of so much activity there is almost a sense of pessimism from many and it seemingly stems from that striker situation.
At present it is believed that talks between Arsenal and both RB Leipzig and Sporting CP over Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres respectively are not moving at much pace if any. Both European sides have high expectations over the potential price tag of their star strikers and so far have shown little-to-no willingness to budge.
Fees are being demanded in excess of €80million (£69.1million) at present with structures not entirely favourable to the buying club. Both Sesko and Gyokeres are very good forwards with a variety of different strengths between them but neither are worth these kind of figures.
Both have drawbacks and doubts, and neither could be considered world class at this stage of their careers, even with the Swede in particular now 27. More evidence would be needed to overcome the concerns that exist regarding both.
While Arsenal would have loved when the time came, which was probably many years ago, that a Declan Rice-type signing would be gettable for the role so craved by Mikel Arteta and supporters but the reality is only Alexander Isak can be considered such a comparable player for his position and he is not available or affordable.
Sporting director Andrea Berta is in his first window for the club and cannot be seen to be easily swayed into simply paying the overpriced demands of the selling clubs. Arsenal are a side who football.london understand to want to work comfortably within the confines of the restrictions that exist.
While some may want Arsenal to just stump up the cash, the ramifications of doing so are considerable. Not only does it weaken the side’s reputation in the market beyond the existing damage from Edu Gaspar’s tenure when player contracts were being cancelled, but also it could prevent spending on other vital targets.
Fans would surely prefer a world in which the club strengthen across several roles than just the one or two forward positions and might need to understand the club’s patience and negotiating strategies in order for that to be realised. But that does not mean the pressure is off and certainly a striker, whoever they may be, is a non-negotiable requirement this window.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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