Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could still make changes to his squad in the transfer market after deadline day
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could still complete several transfers this month(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Arsenal had a mixed summer transfer window but could still get several deals done beyond deadline day. Mikel Arteta has added three players who instantly strengthen his squad but missed out on bringing in a marquee attacker.
The trio of Ezri Konsa, Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis bolster the spine of Arsenal’s team, either as starters or off the bench. Despite failing to recruit a superstar forward, with both Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez ultimately remaining at their respective clubs, the Gunners still appear primed to retain the Premier League title this term.
Arsenal’s improved squad depth saw several rotational players move on this summer, with Leandro Trossard and Christian Norgaard among those to depart. Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira also sealed deadline day exits, while Ethan Nwaneri joined Borussia Dortmund on loan.
However, while the English transfer window is now shut, that is not the case globally. Most notably, the Turkish window runs until September 4; Portugal remains open until September 5; Saudi Arabian clubs have until September 6 to bring in new players, while clubs in the UAE are given until September 28. With that in mind, football.london looks at four deals Arsenal could still complete this month
Gabriel Martinelli
The Brazilian forward is set to become Arsenal’s record sale as he closes in on his move to Al-Hilal, who have a few days remaining to finalise a deal. The Gunners have agreed a £60million fee for the 25-year-old, which will see him surpass Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s record £35m switch to Liverpool in 2017.
Martinelli has been with the Gunners since 2019, making 278 appearances, but is being allowed to leave despite the club not bringing in another forward. With Tzolis starting the new season on the left, Arsenal boss Arteta is also able to call upon Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke in the same position.
Andria Bartishvili
Arsenal are also closing in on a deal to sign teenage starlet Andria Bartishvili. The 17-year-old winger is currently playing for Georgian outfit Iberia 1999 on loan from Kolkheti 1913, and the Gunners are working on a move to bring him to Arsenal after he turns 18 in March.
As the deal is scheduled for 2027, the formalities can be completed outside of the summer transfer window. Bartishvili, who had also attracted interest from Liverpool and Juventus, was recently pictured travelling to London to undergo his medical.
Andria Bartishvili
Andria Bartishvili looks set to join Arsenal(Image: Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Martin Zubimendi
The Spain international was linked with a move away from Arsenal during the summer. The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes and the use of Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield, plus added competition from Mikel Merino, means Zubimendi faces a battle to win back his starting spot alongside Declan Rice.
Real Madrid were interested in the World Cup winner and Chelsea were also linked. While a summer move to Los Blancos is now off the cards, ambitious clubs in Turkey or Saudi Arabia could potentially be tempted to offer Zubimendi a lucrative exit from Arsenal and provide him with regular minutes.
Content Image
Content Image
Kepa Arrizabalaga
There were early reports during the summer that Kepa Arrizabalaga could look to move on, a year after arriving as David Raya’s understudy. The former Chelsea star made 12 appearances during his debut campaign but was claimed to have a desire to become first-choice elsewhere.
The signing of former Leeds United shot-stopper Illan Meslier as a free agent means the Gunners now have three goalkeepers with top-flight experience at their disposal. Top clubs in Turkey and Portugal would be ideal landing spots for the 31-year-old to prove he can still perform well at the highest level.