Arsenal are already looking to make major moves in the transfer window.
The Gunners have two Premier League fixtures left this season, but have very little to play for, and attentions have subsequently turned towards strengthening Mikel Arteta’s squad for next campaign.
Andrea Berta is keen on adding a striker, a winger, a midfielder, a defender and a back-up goalkeeper to Arteta’s ranks.
Martin Zubimendi is expected to sign for Arsenal from Real Sociedad, while Viktor Gyokeres, Nico Williams and Joan Garcia are understood to be the primary targets in three of the other four areas of concern.
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Real Madrid close to signing Arsenal transfer target Dean Huijsen
Defensively, Arsenal will need to add one more player to Arteta’s ensemble if Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney all leave the North London club.
While links have been aplenty for targets in other areas of the pitch, there haven’t been many names mooted as potential defensive targets for the Gunners.
However, Arsenal have been linked with Dean Huijsen, with the Emirates hierarchy identifying the Bournemouth centre-back as an option to explore this summer.
Huijsen has been described as ‘sensational’, and his form for the Cherries has sparked interest from a host of clubs throughout Europe.
Chelsea and Liverpool have been cited as possible suitors, but it now appears that Real Madrid are set to win the race to sign the Spaniard.
According to David Ornstein, Los Blancos have activated Huijsen’s £50 million release clause, and are working to finalise the signing.
Discussions over the 20-year-old’s personal terms are progressing, with his representatives in the Spanish capital to close the transfer.
Arsenal will now have to assess other options on the market, with Huijsen set to reject his Premier League offers to join the La Liga giants.
Dean Huijsen signing for Real Madrid could mean William Saliba stays at Arsenal
While missing out on Huijsen may seem a damaging blow for Arsenal, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise.
Real Madrid view William Saliba as a ‘dream signing’, and are expected to pursue the Frenchman over the coming years.
However, Huijsen’s arrival at the Bernabeu may mean that new boss Xabi Alonso isn’t concerned with Saliba for the time being.
The Spain international will expect to assume an important role at Madrid from the outset, while the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, David Alaba and Eder Militao are still on the serial Champions League winners’ books.
That means there’s unlikely to be room for Saliba next season, and Arsenal are likely to keep hold of their defensive stalwart for at least another year.
This is great news for Arteta, with his team’s success incredibly dependent on having a fit and firing Saliba.
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