Arsenal can begin to officially register new players in their squad next week as the transfer window opens for ten days before the FIFA Club World Cup.
Josh Kroenke has already promised fans investment. Speaking in the matchday programme ahead of the final home game of the season, the son of club owner Stan Kroenke wrote his commitment to supporters regarding the summer and the excitement of having Berta involved in the Gunners’ strategy.
“We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season,” he wrote. “We’re delighted we have our sporting director, Andrea, who will play an important role in this. We are crystal clear on exactly what we need to do and the way in which we want to do it.”
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There has been plenty of speculation on exactly what it is the club need to do, but football.london understands Arsenal are targeting multiple positions to strengthen, particularly in the forward line.
Defensively, the club was strong again, with the best record in the league and becoming only the third side in Premier League history not to concede more than two goals in a game all season. However, even in the back line, the club is keen on adding, particularly to cover the departure of Kieran Tierney. Oleksandr Zinchenko is also a player who could leave in the summer should a fair offer arrive for the Ukrainian.
A backup goalkeeper is targeted but interest in Espanyol’s Joan Garcia has become complicated with the Spaniard’s form this season drawing greater interest from clubs who can offer him a starting role – Arsenal would struggle to do the same with David Raya already in place. Funds could also be saved and redirected elsewhere if Berta can find a cheaper option for the position.
The goal and creativity issue will be the driving motivation behind the priority deals of the summer. Martin Zubimendi will be a big help in transition, and the deal to sign the Spaniard is effectively sealed for the summer at this stage.
The real interest, however, is in the centre-forward position and with the start of the window nearly here, clarity on the club's two main targets, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, still remains unclear as of today. football.london understands that both are on the club’s list with meetings this week thought to be key in the next steps of who they will pursue and hope to sign.
The wide forward role is another key area of interest with Rodrygo at Real Madrid appreciated but manager Xabi Alonso has already spoken of the Brazilian’s importance to his plans. Athletic Club’s Nico Williams is well-liked but the club have a number of other opportunities to explore and, unlike through the middle, the winger market is believed to be plentiful in options this summer.
Martin Odegaard’s form was a concern through the season and the club lacked much competition for the skipper. While, as usual, the club will be on the lookout for opportunities, there are considerations for both Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman’s pathways into the first team setup next season which may impact how the club decide to sign players.
Arteta was very clear on the depth that already, in his mind, exists in that role, including Dowman in the list without prompting. This showcased clearly how the manager views his importance to the squad in the near future.
"," said the Spaniard. "Mikel [Merino] can play there. Ethan Nwaneri, it's his main position. We have Max [Dowman] as well coming through."
Arsenal are confident that come the end of the window, and they will hope the start of the season, they will be in a much stronger position squad-wise than they are now. There is ambition and Josh Kroenke’s bold claim of being crystal clear what is needed leaves with little room not to deliver.
