Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Martinelli, Eli Junior Kroupi and Fabio Vieira all featured in the latest Roundtable Q&A with Hand of Arsenal.
Arsenal are dealing with multiple offers for Ethan Nwaneri as they consider what comes next for the midfielder following his return from Marseille and pre-season spent with Arsenal.
That was one of several updates from our latest Roundtable Q&A with Hand of Arsenal, where we also discussed Mikel Arteta’s contract, Gabriel Martinelli’s future, Fabio Vieira and potential targets beyond this window.
Nwaneri’s future, in particular, stands out as one of the more intriguing storylines as the end of the transfer window approaches.
Clubs from both the Premier League and overseas have made offers, although Arsenal would only consider another loan after carefully assessing the destination, manager and style of play.
His previous spell with Marseille has clearly shaped the approach for any future loan deals, with it not panning out as planned.
Despite that, Arteta believes Nwaneri grew considerably as a person during his time in France, with the Gunners not happy about how the loan worked from a footballing perspective.
So another loan isn’t off the table, but only if Arsenal are convinced it’s the right step for his progress.
Nwaneri was only one of several situations covered in the Q&A, with updates also provided on Arteta’s contract, Martinelli’s future and a number of players Arsenal have looked at.
Arteta Contract Talks Have Taken Place
There was also a positive update on Arteta’s future in North London.
Talks over a new contract happened earlier this year, and all sides are said to be on the same page about Arteta staying at Arsenal.
The expectation now is that Arteta will sign once the transfer window closes and the new season is up and running. With Arteta previously stating that fans don't need to worry, and that he wants to be at the club.
Mikel Arteta has addressed his long-term Arsenal future as the Premier League champions prepare to enter the new season with his deal unresolved.roundtable.ioMikel Arteta Makes Arsenal Future Clear As He Enters Final Year of Contract
Mikel Arteta has addressed his long-term Arsenal future as the Premier League champions prepare to enter the new season with his deal unresolved.
According to Hand of Arsenal, Both Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes made it clear to the former clubs that they wanted to play under Arteta, with the Arsenal manager playing an important role in getting both deals over the line. Showing the pull the Spaniard has in the market.
Martinelli Considering Options Outside Europe’s Major Leagues
Gabriel Martinelli’s future is less clear as the transfer deadline approaches.
According to the Hand of Arsenal, he Brazilian has had direct conversations with Arteta over his place in the squad. Those talks are understood to have led Martinelli to consider opportunities outside Europe’s five major leagues.
Al-Hilal have approached both Arsenal and the player, as reported by The Athletic, offering a fee in the region of £60 million. Although Martinelli is believed to be one of three options being considered by the Saudi club according to Hand of Arsenal.
He is believed to be open to the possibility of a move but is not pushing to leave, which keeps the situation open rather than pointing towards an inevitable departure.
Kroupi Remains One to Watch for Arsenal
Eli Junior Kroupi could still be on Arsenal's radar beyond the summer transfer window.
Whether anything happens in January may depend on how Arsenal wrap up this window and how Kroupi recovers. Whether anything develops in January could depend on how Arsenal finish the current window, as well as Kroupi’s recovery.
However, links to Christian Kofane are a different story.
Recent links with the Bayer Leverkusen forward have been overstated, with Hand of Arsenal suggesting that much of the noise around Arsenal had come from his agent before gathering momentum elsewhere.
Kenan Yildiz Remains on Arsenal’s List
Kenan Yildiz was a serious target for Arsenal this summer, with the club understood to have made a genuine attempt to sign the Juventus forward.
The obstacle was Juventus rather than a lack of interest from Arsenal. The Italian club were not prepared to sell Yildiz this year, preventing the possibility of a deal progressing.
That has not ended Arsenal’s interest, however, with the Turkey international remaining on as a one to watch that they could revisit in the future.
Fabio Vieira Open to Germany Return
Fabio Vieira could still leave Arsenal before the deadline.
Hamburg are trying to find an agreement for the midfielder, but Vieira is open to a return to Germany if the clubs can agree terms.
Hamburg chose not to trigger Vieira’s purchase option, instead letting it expire to try and negotiate a lower price.
Hamburg have submitted figures for Fabio Vieira but admit Arsenal have shown no sign of accepting their proposal for the midfielder.roundtable.ioHamburg Submit Offer for Fabio Vieira as Arsenal Hold Firm
Hamburg have submitted figures for Fabio Vieira but admit Arsenal have shown no sign of accepting their proposal for the midfielder.
There is no indication yet that a deal is close, leaving the financial side as the main issue to resolve.
Several situations remain to be resolved in just a short amount of time before the summer window closes.
Nwaneri has options for the club to consider, Martinelli is open to a wider range of possibilities and Vieira could yet return to Germany. Kroupi remains one to watch further ahead, while a move for Kofane doesn't look to be on the cards quite yet.
Arteta’s future looks much more settled, with talks already having taken place and an expectation that his new contract will be dealt with once the transfer window is out of the way.
To read more of the answers provided by Hand of Arsenal, visit the Q&A in the Roundtable community.
It’s been a busy summer for Arsenal, with some big signings completed and a few deals that came close.roundtable.ioQ&A with Hand of Arsenal - Send In Your Questions! - Community Post
It’s been a busy summer for Arsenal, with some big signings completed and a few deals that came close.