Arteta and Berta have work to doArteta and Berta have work to do
Arteta and Berta have work to do | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
A look at what a successful summer transfer window might look like for Arsenal.
Arsenal are already kicking on with their summer transfer business, with Mikel Arteta making it clear that the preparations for next season have already begun. The Gunners fell short of their expectations in the season just gone, and pressure is now likely to be ramped up on Arteta as the club pushes for a return on its big squad investments.
A number of new signings are likely this summer, and Arsenal do need to strengthen and add depth in a number of areas. Here we take a look at what a successful summer window could look like for the Gunners, with a total expenditure of £178.2m.
Martin Zubimendi - £50.3m (Release clause)
It looks as though Arsenal will wrap up a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi within the next few weeks. The Spain international has a release clause worth £50.3million and he will add competition and depth the Gunners’ midfield. Zubimendi will replace Jorginho and likely compete for a starting spot with former and soon-to-be current teammate Mikel Merino.
Viktor Gyokeres - £67m (estimated asking price)
Arsenal need a striker more than they need any other position. The Gunners cannot afford to go into the new season without one, and they are going to need to pay big to get the goalscorer they need. Gyokeres is one of the many options to have been mooted, along with Benjamin Sesko and others. The Sporting CP star has a release clause of upwards of £80million, but reports have suggested that Sporting CP will ask for £67million, given the player is likely to want to move on in the face of interest from top clubs.
Nathan Collins - £40m minimum (estimated minimum asking price)
Arsenal need another centre-back, especially if Jakub Kiwior moves on. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes may be one of the world’s best centre-back partnership, but Arsenal need greater depth and to sign a centre-back able to genuinely compete for a starting spot. Competition is vital to any successful team, and the Gunners need more of it. Collins has been excellent for Brentford and there have already been links aplenty between the Gunners and the Irishman. The Bees paid around £23million for Collins, so a deal is going to cost £40million or perhaps much more.
Leroy Sané - Free
Sané is out of contract this summer and he seems to be on the lookout for a new club. The winger has been with Bayern Munich for the last five years and remains a consistent performer at age 29. The experienced Germany international has experience aplenty at Premier League level after his Manchester City days, and there will be plenty of top clubs in for his services this summer. Bayern may also make a late push to sign Sané to a new contract, but it’s unclear whether he will be willing to pen one. The Gunners need another winger to compete with Gabriel Martinelli, in particular.
Joan Garcia - £20.9m (Release clause)
The 24-year-old goalkeeper has been among the best La Liga goalkeepers this season and for a struggling Espanyol side. Arsenal chased Garcia last summer only for the young stopper to reject their advances following promotion with his current club. It seems very likely Arsenal will go after Garcia again this summer and once again agree to pay his £20.9million release clause. It’s likely Garcia will become Arsenal’s new number two, and his performances this season have shown that he will be able to compete with Raya in the not too distant future.
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