There is a thread and a theme to some of Arsenal's many transfer targets this summer. With Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta aiming to revamp the squad ahead of competing across all competitions next season, it is a crucial few months.
The Gunners have already seen Kieran Tierney and Raheem Sterling joined by Thomas Partey and Jorginho in leaving the Emirates Stadium. Kepa Arrizabalaga is the only new signing to be confirmed.
He will soon be joined by Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi. That bolsters the midfield but Arteta will be hoping for plenty more.
Arsenal are in the market for a striker, centre-back, and winger as well. The targets have largely already been determined. Cristhian Mosquera has been sounded out as ideal cover for Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba at the back.
If he joins then it could impact the future of Jakub Kiwior. Elsewhere, the high profile chase of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko goes on.
Outside of the two centre-forwards, Arsenal are also looking at Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, and Noni Madueke as attacking reinforcements. Rodrygo is an expensive option too.
As well as Kepa, Norgaard, Eze, Rogers, and Madueke all being Premier League proven, the latter trio all have another thing in common as well. They are homegrown.
Arsenal, like their rivals, have to name at least eight homegrown players in their Premier League squad if they want to maximise the 25-man limit for over-21s. As it stands, without new signings, they may not reach that threshold.
Premier League rules state that a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players can be named in the final squad for the new season. That does not have to be submitted until after transfer deadline day on September 1.
Players who qualify as Under-21s - those born on or after January 1, 2004 - do not have to be registered in the 25-man group and can be used freely throughout the season. For Arsenal, that includes Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The pair will both form a key part of Arteta's plans which is a huge benefit as it allows Arsenal to include more players in their 'main' squad that does have to be registered. It also covers two positions and adds to Arteta's available options which is crucial as Arsenal are currently short of the homegrown quota.
From the team that Arsenal ended last season with, there are only six homegrown players. They are: David Raya, Saliba, Ben White, Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka.
Karl Hein and Reiss Nelson qualify but are expected to leave this window. Of course, given that Arsenal like to work with a smaller squad and they have Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, they could take the non-homegrown hit and only name 23 players, making up for it with their talented Under-21 pair.
Or, as is more likely, they will sign at least one homegrown player from elsewhere and deal with the issue that way. They could, depending on how conversations go, also keep Hein and/or Nelson onside.
Whilst Arsenal need to address the frontline with attackers, though, it makes sense for them to continue pursuing Eze, Rogers, and Madueke. They have previously put plenty of attention towards Ollie Watkins as well. He would also count as being homegrown.
For now, Arsenal have plenty of time to adjust their squad and to meet the Premier League needs. The longer the window goes on, the more buying players to fit the quota will be of interest and importance.
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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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