The Arsenal Summer Transfer window:

With a new season comes a fresh start, and new hunger and another go at the big one. The same applies here at Art of Analysis. It all starts again and it all starts now!

The Summer Transfer window:

Lets start with the outs shall we. The confirmed out goings as of 12/08/2024 stands at the following:

  • Cedric Soares – 32 – Right Back – released on a free
  • Nuno Tavares – 24 – Left Back – loaned to Lazio, subject to clauses will be made permanent for £7million
  • Albert Sambi Lokonga – 24 – Central Midfielder – loaned to Sevilla, with an option to buy for £10million
  • Arthur Onkonkwo – 22 – Goalkeeper – Free to Wrexham
  • Mohammed Elneny – 32 – Defensive Midfielder – free to Al-Jazira
  • Emile Smith Rowe – 24 – Central Midfielder – £27million to Fulham FC.

Total gained from these confirmed transfers stands at: £27M. With a projected extra £17M if all clauses are hit bringing in total income from sales at £44M.

Rumours, Rumours, Rumours

However, the window is not closed and Arsenal are linked with further departures. Most notably being Eddie Nketiah.

With the ever-reliable David Ornstein reporting that Marseille are back in the fold with a potential loan deal with an obligation to buy at €30million included. He reported that personal terms are agreed with the club and player looking to seal a 5 year contract. Initial bids had fell below Arsenal’s expectations however this fresh approached has changed things. With many anticipating this to be concluded post Emirates Cup game against Lyon.

Further key names looking to the departure lounge include former number 1 Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, a fan favourite and likely another to cause hurt when leaving similar to ESR. He is in need of first team football and seems to be clearly not in Mikels plans.

However an exit destination seems hard to find with logic stating it would be best to move him out of the Premier League. However, there has been rumoured interest from the likes of Chelsea and Nottingham Forest. Something this Arsenal fan doesn’t want to see is Ramsdale joining another top club in the Prem. Go abroad, enjoy some sunshine and tackle a different league lad.

The likelihood of both these players leaving is high. With potentially another £60million coming in for the Gunners to bring a proposed total income from sales to just over £100M (projected). This would be a healthy amount for Arsenal to keep them firmly in line with FFP rules.

The signings:

Which now brings us onto the Summer signings so far. It’s a name we all know, a man who enjoyed a 5-0 win against Palace in January as a fan.

Riccardo Calafiori. This handsome and more importantly extremely talented baller, shone during the Euros. But was clearly in talks with Arsenal for a long time before this. Fair play to Edu and our scouts.

This Italian giant has it all. Standing at an imposing 6ft 2. Calafiori is listed as a centre back, however he is much more of a modern-day defender in his ability to play across the backline and in the middle. We’ve seen glimpses of his talent during pre season, Mikel starts him LB but he transitions up the wing with overlaps or into the lower left sided CDM role depending on the attack Arsenal take on.

He is natural at both sides of CB, and now is gaining skill as a LB and also CDM. Just the type of player Arteta loves and one the fans have already heralded as a marquee signing for his refusal of a move to Juventus this summer!

Mikel has also confirmed his number on GK by signing David Raya permanently from Brentford. Whilst this seemed a formality the reason it must be mentioned is the current total spend at Arsenal. With Calafiori costing us a measly £40million and David Raya costing £27million. The total expenditure stands at £67M.

Who is next?

Arsenal clearly have the budget for more, further the outgoings to be expected increase the spending budget too.

But will Arsenal pull the trigger. The shouts for a RW to cover Saka are clearly there. But Fabio Vieira now plays out wide. Ethan Nawneri dominates the middle but can play right side of midfield.

The rumours linking Eze to Arsenal remain but will someone that talented be happy to play second fiddle to Saka?  Is a new fitter Gabriel Jesus enough to secure the league? Do you play Kai as an 8 or a false 9?

These are the questions that will puzzle both Mikel and Edu.

One name does stand above the crowd. A Euro 2024 Champion. Pivotal in midfield influential across the entire pitch and someone who doesn’t fit Artetas age bracket requirement.

Mikel Merino. The talented leader in midfield was extremely key to Spain winning the Euros in a dominant fashion. The talent is obvious, the connection in midfield with Martin Ødegaard is evident from his time on loan with Real Sociedad simply an added bonus to Mikel and Edu.

The current rumours have us just approaching the finishing line with this one. With a £25million offer for a player on his last year of a contract looking likely to be accepted. Personal terms apparently already agreed and now his omission from the Socieded squad adding further fuel to the fire. This one is looking next for Edu on his hit list. (all information currently is from Fabrizio Romano)

The reason for his signing is more than just the talent he possesses. Arsenal’s interest in Merino comes as questions remain about Thomas Partey’s availability, while Jorginho is not trusted to feature as the prominent number six under Mikel Arteta.

That wraps up the current status of the 2024 summer Transfer window for Arsenal. Keep your eyes peeled because this one isn’t over yet.

Written by

Reekesh Somaroo

For Art of Analysis

Comments

One response to “The Arsenal Summer Transfer window:”

  1. artofanalysis avatar

    Additional note. It appears Marseille are now opting for a cheaper alternative to Nketiah from Ligue 1 itself. Prime candidate now is Eyle Wahi deal with RC Lens!

    Agreement very close, OM working on final details… they didn’t want to match €30m package for Nketiah.

    Green light from the player and €25m fee plus add-ons offered to Lens. Per Fabrizio Romano