Arteta is going to have to make some big decisionsplaceholder image
Arteta is going to have to make some big decisions | Getty Images
Arsenal’s first major sale this summer is becoming more and more clear.
A likely Arsenal signing points to what could be their first major sale this summer. The Gunners have competition aplenty within their squad, with Mikel Arteta having multiple top quality options in each position.
That competition has put Arsenal in a commanding position as far as their Premier League title is concerned, and it will be interesting to see how things change this summer.
Arteta is going to have to make some big decisions ahead of next season, with any incomings likely meaning a significant outgoing, both for financial and competitive reasons.
Leverkusen’s sporting director suggested the deal will become a transfer, and it’s likely those comments come after speaking to those at Arsenal. But that signing could well see another player axed.
There are already doubts over the future of Riccardo Calafiori, who has struggled with injury again this season. The Italian has been a regular this season, making 21 Premier League appearances, but his utility may be reduced with the signing of Hincapie.
With Arteta needing to be ruthless, he will have to ask himself whether he needs two left-footed centre-backs who can play left-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber can also play on the left, while there are plenty of deputy options in the middle of defence between Hincapie, Timber and Cristhian Mosquera.
As Arsenal look to fine-tune their squad, they need to look at where they have a surplus and where they can save some money. Given the situation in the defence and Calafiori’s injury history, that conversation may well start with the Italian. And he is also a player Arsenal can expect to make a good £40million on, even more if Italy reach the World Cup and he impresses in North America this summer.
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