According to Football.London, Arsenal’s new transfer plans feature signing two more players than they initially expected.
What’s the story?
It’s stated that Arsenal went into this summer’s transfer window seeking five signings to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad.
That likely included a goalkeeper, two new midfielders, a left back and a right back with Edu seeking new signings.
Yet Arsenal are now expecting to make two more signings than planned, taking their tally for the summer to seven.
The two extra signings are thought to be a centre back and a striker, with a new-look Arsenal squad expected next season.
Who could feature in Arsenal’s transfer plans?
Arsenal want to find a new goalkeeper, and both Andre Onana and Aaron Ramsdale have been heavily linked.
Ramsdale is homegrown but Onana would be cheaper, meaning Edu has a big decision to make.
At right back, Hector Bellerin is expected to move on and be replaced, with the likes of Emerson, Sergino Dest and Zeki Celik all linked.
Ben White is expected to join from Brighton and Hove Albion in a £50million deal, filling the centre back hole Arsenal want to fill.
On the left side of defence, Arsenal need competition for Kieran Tierney and Benfica’s Nuno Tavares is currently the top target to fill that role as Sead Kolasinac prepares to leave.
In midfield, Albert Sambi Lokonga looks a likely signing as one for the future, but Manuel Locatelli and Ruben Neves have been linked and can boost the midfield immediately.
A number 10 is absolutely needed with Martin Odegaard not returning, with James Maddison a lofty target. Nabil Fekir seems a little more realistic if a little more underwhelming too.
Finally, Arsenal could move for a new striker given that Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract in 2022 and could be sold; Alexander Isak is the most exciting striker link right now.
Could Arsenal even bring more signings in?
Seven may be the new goal, but factor in that Arsenal could need another goalkeeper if Bernd Leno leaves and the total could go even higher.
Let’s hope that Arsenal don’t lose Emile Smith Rowe, but if he ends up leaving – which still seems unlikely – then he would need to be replaced too.
This is a huge task for Arsenal to get so many signings done, but it looks like progress is being made.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
