Arsenal look set to remain busy, both in terms of incomings and outgoings, in the final stretch of the summer transfer window, which closes on September 1
Kenan Yildiz
Arsenal are admirers of Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz
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Arsenal remain open to trading, both where incomings and outgoings are concerned, in the last eight days of the summer transfer window (due to close on September 1).
The crux of the Gunners' business is already done following the signings of Piero Hincapie (permanent), Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier, Bruno Guimaraes, and Ezri Konsa, but Mikel Arteta remains open to strengthening his frontline, if the right deal is available.
A number of options are still in play, even if in some cases, the chances of executing a signing are slim. One target, where speculation just will not go away, is Julian Alvarez.
His situation at Atletico Madrid remains fluid after he was booed by his own supporters before, during, and after Atletico's 2-2 La Liga draw against Villarreal at the Metropolitano.
At this moment, Alvarez has two options. Stay at Atletico and potentially endure a season of toxicity, though there is a chance he could win back the fans with goals, or join Arsenal.
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Alvarez's preference is to join Barcelona, but there just isn't scope for that deal to happen right now because of the tense relations between the two clubs. The idea of strengthening a rival also doesn't appeal to Atletico, even if Barcelona put huge money on the table.
As has been the case all summer, Arsenal are waiting in the wings for developments, though Alvarez has struggled to warm to a return to the Premier League with the Gunners. There are still massive hurdles to clear, but the delicacy of the situation means there is still a faint chance something could materialise.
One transfer that is looking probable is Gabriel Martinelli's Arsenal departure, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal now working on an agreement with the Premier League champions.
Martinelli has been omitted from Arsenal's squad for their past two matches and has seemingly been freed up to depart, should the financials make sense for the club. Qatari side Al-Sadd, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce have all shown varying degrees of interest.
If Martinelli leaves, Arsenal need a replacement. Bradley Barcola was tracked closely at the World Cup, and while Liverpool remain in the lead, the fact he was considered among the Gunners' top wide options earlier this summer suggests we cannot rule out a late assault.
Gabriel Martinelli
Al-Hilal are probing for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli
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It seems unlikely, of course, but Arsenal do appreciate Barcola, just not at the current price being quoted. Kenan Yildiz of Juventus is a player the Gunners really admire, as football.london reported last November, and they would be prepared to move for the Turk, but Juve have already closed the door on a summer exit.
Every player has a price, though, and if Arsenal were to table a huge offer, perhaps Juventus would be left with no choice but to listen to it. Yildiz's will (and whether he's prepared to push) could also be key, but he signed a new bumper contract back in February and is expected to remain in Turin.
Reports in France have also credited Arsenal with an interest in Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who has been courted by Atletico Madrid (one bid rejected) and RB Leipzig this summer. football.london is yet to establish whether the interest is genuine, but there is no denying he is currently one of the best young wide options on the market, though Lille will be under no pressure to sell after shaking hands on a £85.6million deal with Manchester City for Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Where exits are concerned, it's still not 100 per cent guaranteed Viktor Gyokeres will stay put at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta said the Swede was staying after the friendly victory over Girona, but if Arsenal somehow land Alvarez, there's an argument Gyokeres will be third in command.
Would he be willing to stick around with limited minutes? A player of his quality and profile will want regular football. Barcelona are also sniffing around for a striker and are said to be huge admirers, so that is one to watch.
Ethan Nwaneri is thought to be available on loan if the right club comes in for the attacking midfielder. A permanent sale cannot be entirely ruled out in case of a big offer.
Fabio Vieira, Gabriel Jesus, and Reiss Nelson are all free to depart, but so far, no club has come close to satisfying Arsenal's valuation on either player.