Transfer Window Update

It’s been a couple weeks or so since my last blog post detailing my approach to this transfer window (click here). Arsenal haven’t really given me much to write about in regards to new signings and how they would fit in the team, so here is an update on Arsenal’s progress in the transfer window so far.

INS:

Defence:

Andre Onana

Onana was banned for the use of illegal substances last season. Originally the ban was set to last 12 months, however a successful appeal saw it shortened to 9 months, ending in September. Arsenal seemed sure to sign the former Ajax starter and UCL semi-finalist for just £7m if the appeal was successful, yet the trail has gone quiet ever since.

Aaron Ramsdale

The Sheffield starter has been linked to a move to Arsenal. For a price tag of above £25m, this would be a foolish signing to say the least.

Ben White

Why are we linked with Ben White? Because keeping a prolific CB who excelled in France for free and starting him would be too simple. Don’t get me wrong, Ben White is a promising defender, but £50m seems to be a clear display of the English inflation.

Nuno Tavares

DONE DEAL! The first one of the window. It seemed like it would be Buendia or Bissouma, but the signing of the 21 year old LB from Benfica was completed yesterday for £8m. Stated as having great potential, he is both a great short term and long term option for Kieran Tierney. A good player for a small price - on the right track.

Midfield:

Albert Sambi Lokonga

In all honesty, I had no idea who this kid was until this transfer window. When I heard about these links, I wasn’t sold either. But when you have someone like Thierry Henry backing you to be a big talent and other big European clubs are interested, it says something about your character. Henry recommended Arsenal to the youngster and it looks like the deal could be completed in the coming days for a fee of around £20m.

Yves Bissouma

Being the most simple signing of the window: Pepe showing him around the Emirates, Bissouma openly admitting he wants to go to Arsenal, a £40m price tag, Brighton wanting Nketiah, him rejecting other Premier League clubs. It’s gone quiet for a while, but still sounds like a very good fit for the team.

Renato Sanches

Part of Portugal’s bold midfield three. Bossed the Euros, including putting in stellar performances against France and Germany. In response to a Gabriel comment on social media telling him to come to Arsenal, he replied with “im Wait for invitation”. Not much, but its nice to imagine a solid Arsenal midfield.

Manuel Locatelli

He scored a brace in a Euros game and that was when the interest started. Juventus are still the heavy favourites to sign him, however it has been reported that Arsenal have put in a ‘serious’ bid.

Forward:

Raheem Sterling

Stop kidding yourself, it’s not happening.

Jack Grealish

A high-five to Bukayo Saka in England training doesn’t mean anything.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

£80m. HAH.

Andre Silva

This one is actually a possibility. The Portuguese target man outscored Haaland last season and his price tag is not unreasonable for a player of that calibre.

Martin Odegaard

It was on, it was off, and now its back on apparently. Real Madrid’s coaches have stated that they will have to cut down around 10 players, with Odegaard being named as a possibility.

OUTS:

Defence:

Hector Bellerin

The most obvious departure. He has been offered for a swap deal with Trippier and has been linked with Inter Milan as a possible replacement for Achraf Hakimi. At the moment, no strong links or advance talks but the price tag seems to be set at around £20-25m.

Rob Holding

With the signing of White looming and Saliba still an option, along with multiple backups still in the squad, he has been put up on the transfer block. No links right now.

Sead Kolasinac

Coming back from loan but is not expected to stay around for long. Price likely to be around £5-10m.

Midfield:

Lucas Torreira

Coming back from loan at Atletico Madrid. Was said to be wanting to play in Argentina but has been recently linked with Lazio. No serious links.

Matteo Guendouzi

It seemed like a move to Marseille for £12m was all sorted and a done deal, however there appears to be some uncertainty now. Talks of a new contract at Arsenal, he still wants to go to Marseille… who knows.

Granit Xhaka

Roma were imminent on signing Xhaka, who seemed certain to be on the way out. Mourinho didn’t want the Swiss captain for more than £12m, but then decided to casually turn into prime Zinedine Zidane against France. Now, his market value can be raised by around £5-10m. Might have just experienced an Edu masterclass.

Forward:

Eddie Nketiah

Was wanted by Brighton but has been offered a new contract since.

Emile Smith-Rowe

Two bids from Villa already with a third in the making. Arsenal are imminent to keep hold of the Hale End graduate.