Arsenal are putting plans in place ahead of what will likely be a busy summer transfer window at the Emirates.
The Gunners are in need of a handful of major signings to improve Mikel Arteta’s squad, with a striker, a winger, a midfielder and a back-up goalkeeper all understood to be on the agenda.
Alexander Isak is Arteta’s dream signing, although Newcastle’s demands for the player likely make it a very difficult deal for the North Londoners to pull off.
Thus, alternatives will have to be explored, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha being linked with a switch to N5.
Meanwhile, several potential outgoings may also have to be sorted, with imminent new sporting director Andrea Berta arriving with a lot on his plate.
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David Ornstein provides Arsenal transfer update on Martin Zubimendi and Bruno Guimaraes
Reports emerged this week suggesting Arsenal have a £300 million budget to play with in the summer.
Writing for the Athletic, transfer guru David Ornstein provided an extensive update on the state of affairs regarding Arsenal’s transfer business and responded to the £300 million claim.
“I’m not aware of a specific number, but Arsenal recently posted healthy financial results,” he said.
“There will definitely be room to manoeuvre. I’d expect it to be a pretty busy summer at the Emirates.”
Suggestions as to how Arsenal might make use of their budget have circulated this week, with various outlets indicating that the Gunners might attempt to land Bruno Guimaraes as well as Martin Zubimendi.
Zubimendi is expected to sign for Arsenal in a £51 million deal, but Arteta may indeed be keen on adding another midfielder to his ranks.
“As far as we know, Martin Zubimendi is at a very advanced stage & the anticipation inside Arsenal is that he’s coming in,” Ornstein said.
“If that gets completed, it’s a significant financial outlay. As will be the case if/when a striker is signed.
“There’s also other work to do – a possible wide attacker, awaiting Nypan’s decision, perhaps something in defence, one or two goalkeepers – and although there will be exits, I’m not sure recruiting Zubimendi & Bruno Guimaraes would be feasible, even if Berta did want that.
“This is a personal opinion rather than sourced information; I don’t see Arsenal signing BOTH Martin Zubimendi & Bruno Guimaraes.
“We know of the historical Guimaraes links, but that ship seemed to have sailed and I’m not sure I can envisage Arsenal paying the kind of money Newcastle would ask for, especially given he turns 28 this year.”
While Zubimendi may be the cheaper option, Guimaraes would arguably be the better acquisition.
Proven in the Premier League, just a year old and better in almost every facet of the game, Arsenal should be looking to land the Brazilian if a deal is on the table.
David Ornstein on potential Arsenal exits for Jorginho and Thomas Partey
Arsenal’s pursuit of both Zubimendi and Guimaraes may ultimately hinge on the futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
Arsenal Insider revealed this week that Partey is unlikely stay, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid both in conversations with the player’s representatives about a potential free transfer come the end of the seaosn.
Meanwhile, Jorginho has reportedly agreed a move to Flamengo.
Speaking on the potential departures for both players, Ornstein said: “It’s not settled yet, as far as I’m aware, but a very good chance. It may be influenced by the status of potential arrivals in that position.”
With Arsenal expected to spend big, they may be forced to sanction a sale for a player they’re not necessarily looking to get rid of.
Ornstein hinted that this could be the case, writing: “I think if Arsenal are going to commit huge expense on a striker and if Zubimendi gets done, it’s surely inevitable there needs to be resource raised from a sale or multiple.
“It wouldn’t shock me to see a notable player depart this summer.”
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