Arsenal’s plan for the summer transfer window

The January transfer window has come and gone. As expected, Mikel Arteta addressed his side’s immediate needs by bringing in Flamengo centre-back Pablo Mari and right back Cedric Soares on loan from Southampton.

We’re just one week into February and already rumors about the summer transfer window have already begun. With Arsenal in the midst of its worst season since 1994-1995, new manager Arteta has inherited an underperforming club in need of an overhaul.

There are many questions that must be addressed this summer including the future of players such as Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The latter two are approaching the end of their contracts and have been reluctant to sign extensions.

In the past Arsenal have been guilty of letting players run down their deals see e.g. Aaron Ramsey and almost Alexis Sanchez. Raul Sanllehi has vowed that he will not allow this to happen again. Aubameyang is one of six players whose contracts have less than 18 months remaining. The Frenchman is a wanted man and the Gunners may be forced to cash in on the star player while his value is high.

The unknown is complicating matters. The Gunners are in danger of missing out on European qualification for the first time in 24 years. Arteta wants Aubameyang to stay, but the forward has expressed his desire to play Champions League football. Arsenal therefore may decide to sell top players in order to bring in funds for new recruits this summer.

Whatever happens, reports are that Arsenal are planning to conduct its transfer business before the start of Euro 2020 in June. This is a smart move as the club does not want to get priced out of the market for its targets. As often happens in summer tournaments, the prices for players that have strong performances always go up.

According to the Daily Mail, Arteta is eyeing at least three major signings this off season. His goal is to bring in two midfielders as well as a central defender.

Until the season ends in May, the rumors and speculation surrounding Arsenal’s summer transfer targets will continue to swirl. Stay tuned.