Arsenal have lined up a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi with both Thomas Partey and Jorginho potential exits this summer and they want to strengthen other departments
Mikel Arteta is already bracing himself for a big summer in the transfer market – even before the current window shuts.
Arsenal boss Arteta wants to bolster his forward options but there are other big areas of the squad which he wants to overhaul. They have lined up a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi with both Thomas Partey and Jorginho potential exits this summer and they want to strengthen other departments.
Kieran Tierney is set for Celtic, Oleksandr Zinchenko has attracted interest in this window with Jakub Kiwior also potentially on his way out. They may look for younger defensive cover to blend into the squad.
They failed to land a No.2 keeper last summer and got Neto on loan from Bournemouth and the reshuffle will give them scope to bring in players without busting their wage bill.
Arsenal had a relatively quiet window last summer – they signed Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori and also Raheem Stering on loan – but it promises to be busier this time.
This month there have been links to a handful of players, most recently with Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, with the Gunners making a £60m bid that was rejected by the club. Villa boss Unai Emery has since confirmed Watkins wants to stay and Arsenal have been forced to look elsewhere for a new forward that they need after losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to injuries.
Newcastle forward Alexander Isak has also been a reported target, but Magpies boss Eddie Howe has insisted his star striker is not for sale.
There have been some setbacks for Arsenal, meanwhile, after learning that young Norwegian talent Sverre Nypan will remain at Rosenborg for the rest of the season despite the Gunners holding talks. Arsenal were also left ruing the departure of one of their brightest talents as Ayden Heaven left the Emirates to join Manchester United on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
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