“The next incoming and outgoings” Arsenal £200m transfer to-do list, Mikel Arteta wants to add to Arsenal’s squad before the transfer season expires.
Arsenal has been one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the summer transfer season, with more business expected.
Mikel Arteta made his transfer demands public after Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on opening day of the Premier League. Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner, and Marquinhos all joined Arsenal this summer. The north Londoners are interested in a central midfielder and winger.
Bernd Leno and Lucas Torreira have already joined Fulham and Galatasaray. Nuno Tavares, Pablo Mari, and Alex Runarsson have all left the club on loan for 2022/23, although the fates of Nicolas Pepe, Hector Bellerin, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles remain uncertain.
Pedro Neto has been linked with a move to Arsenal after sources said technical director Edu is trying to recruit a’mystery winger’ 90min said that Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea were offered Neto, who could sign before the month ends.
Arsenal will wait until 2023 to sign Youri Tielemans after agreeing personal terms months ago. If other clubs show more interest in Hazard in the last weeks of the transfer window, Arsenal may have to move on him sooner than expected.
We looks at Arsenal’s transfer to-do list before August’s finish.
Signings
Pedro Neto
Neto has impressed despite missing much of last season with injuries. Thierry Henry lauded the Portuguese winger in March 2021 after Wolves’ 1-0 loss to Liverpool.
Henry praised Neto’s confidence, crossing, and finishing. He said: “He’s awesome. I admire that he’s not afraid to fight outside.”
Neto fits Arsenal’s criteria of a young, talented player with top-level experience. The 22-year-old could play on either flank and as a centre-forward, providing competition for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Emile Smith Rowe.
Tielemans
This summer or next, Tielemans is a no-brainer. The 25-year-old has all the skills to flourish in Arteta’s midfield and should be a starter. Arsenal lacks depth in this position, so if Thomas Partey or Granit Xhaka are injured or suspended for a lengthy time, Mikel Arteta will have to rely on Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Tielemans’ talent on the ball and ability to contribute to the attack from a deeper position would be welcomed at the Emirates Stadium. With less than a year left on his contract and suggestions that Leicester would accept a £25million offer, Edu could attempt to sign the Belgian now rather than next season.
Tielemans’ contributions could determine whether the team qualifies for the Champions League.
Outgoings
Pepe
Nicolas Pepe’s £72million move from Lille hasn’t worked out. The Ivorian winger’s agent is reportedly preparing to start negotiations with Ligue 1 side OGC Nice about a potential loan deal.
Maitland-Niles
Another player who has battled to start and whose optimal position is questioned. Maitland-Niles is a versatile player who can play right defense and central midfield, but it may be better for both parties to cut relations after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Roma.
Bellerin
Bellerin’s future looks poised to be resolved before the transfer window closes. He is Arsenal’s fourth-choice right-back behind Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Cedric Soares.
The Spaniard enjoyed a good loan spell at Real Betis last season, but the La Liga club has yet to make a formal bid for the 27-year-old.
Should Bellerin go, Edu would have more pay budget to invest in Bukayo Saka’s contract or a new star player.
