The profile of transfer targets that Arsenal are now focusing on means that a number of mooted signings are likely to have been ruled out.
Arsenal have a very specific idea of the type of players they want to sign in this summer transfer window.
There has been a trend to the majority of the Gunners’ recent transfer activity. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have shown a willingness to invest in youth.
The likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Fabio Vieira, amongst others, all represent signings who were brought to the club with what ought to be their best years still ahead of them.
There are, of course, notable exceptions in the shape of Jorginho and Leandro Trossard, but in general the Gunners’ transfer strategy is clear and is set to continue. This pattern can also be seen in many of the players that the North London club have been recently linked with.
For instance, Arsenal were keen on signing Benjamin Sesko. Whilst the 21-year-old striker has decided to remain with RB Leipzig, his age provides an indication of what the Gunners are looking for.
Edu transfer plan shows Arsenal are targeting youth
Journalist Chris Wheatley has now claimed that Arsenal are focusing on younger players this summer when it comes to potential acquisitions. Speaking on Shots!, he stated: “First of all, in the recruitment this summer at Arsenal, they are focused on young players. When I say young players, I’m talking under the age of 24. 23 and under, that is the kind of recruitment that they are focused on.
“They want to sign players who have a high sell-on value, a high resale value, and players who are likely to increase in value over time. That is why they’ve gone down that route.”
This means that at least three players that the club have been linked with can now likely be dismissed as potential signings.
Dominic Solanke
Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke offers a similar profile to Sesko, and what’s more, Arsenal could potentially trigger an unusual clause in his contract in order to sign him for £65 million.
Given the form that the 26-year-old produced last season, the temptation to secure his signature is understandable. However, at that buying price, and given his age, he would offer very little in terms of potential resale value.
Bruno Guimaraes
Arsenal were said to want Bruno Guimaraes, and even be willing to offload a number of players in order to strike a £100 million deal. Again, though, given that the Brazilian midfielder is already 26-years-old, and would come at such a high price, he does not seem to suit Edu’s criteria.
Ivan Toney
At 28-years-old, Ivan Toney is the oldest player on this list, and therefore the least likely to offer the potential for increasing value. Whilst the Gunners have been linked with the Brentford man for some time, his indifferent form for the Bees over the course of the run-in may well have given Arteta pause for thought even if his age weren’t a barrier.
Despite his struggles in front of goal, Toney has still been selected to represent England at this summer’s Euros tournament. He will be desperate to get back to his best, and perhaps attract a suitor, with his performances on the international stage.
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