The Gunners could be waving goodbye to a player who joined this summer.
Mikel Arteta
Arsenal could be waving goodbye to a player they signed just months ago (Image: Getty)
Arsenal could be sensationally set to sign a player they welcomed to the club just weeks ago. The Gunners probably haven’t had as busy a summer as they might’ve been expecting.
Christos Tzolis, Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes are the only major additions that have been made to the first-team squad. Both should see plenty of minutes throughout the season, but otherwise, it’s pretty much as you were.
The only other addition Arsenal have made is the free signing of Illan Meslier from Leeds United, who joined after leaving the expiration of his contract with the Yorkshire outfit. He was signed as the club’s third-choice defender, with David Raya the clear No.1, and Kepa Arrizabalaga providing cover as the No.2.
However, according to Foot Mercato, there is a suggestion that Meslier could be on his way out already. That’s because the outlet are reporting that French side Marseille are interested in bringing him to the club and would be able to offer him more minutes.
It’s suggested Marseille will need to let players go before making any concrete moves, but the interest is certainly there. It would be quite the turnaround for Meslier, given it looked like he would be plying his trade with Arsenal this season.
Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier joined Arsenal earlier this summer (Image: Getty)
Elsewhere this summer, there was a bit of disappointment surrounding a failed pursuit for Vinicius Junior, with it looking at one point like the Brazilian would join Mikel Arteta’s side. That didn’t happen, of course, with Vini Jr opting to sign a contract extension with Real Madrid instead.
But there is still a feeling that Arsenal need to add to their attack if they want to end their long and painful wait for a Champions League trophy. The latest name in the rumour mill is Julian Alvarez, who has been front and centre of transfer discussions all summer.
It’s being reported that Barcelona won’t sign Alvarez from Atletico Madrid before deadline day, opening the door for Arsenal to make their move. While they were initially targeting reinforcements on the wing, Alvarez has the calibre to bridge the gap to Europe’s elite and finally help them take that next step.
After an impressive opening day victory against Coventry, Arsenal will face the Premier League’s crisis club Aston Villa this weekend. After that, it’s Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, while Brighton is to come in the final match before the international break.