Over the past few seasons, Arsenal have conducted a number of smart transfer moves, and manager Mikel Arteta has been seen in all of the dealings. Truth be said, they also got it wrong in some instances, but mostly, Arsenal have hit it right when it came to making decisions on who to bring in and who to release. It is that period again for the duo to make big shifts in the squad and questions are already being asked on who leaves, who stays and who comes in.
This normally is the reward for a good season; heightened expectations, players uncertain of their futures, clubs trying to hold on their best players and build on, etc. There is definitely going to be very little rest for Edu and Arteta, as they prepare the team for a return to the Champions League. In the background, key negotiations will be ongoing with the preseason matches set to take center stage.
Arsenal have lined up a busy preseason schedule, starting with a friendly against Nuremberg. Those will be covered extensively in the Wincomparator previews, the same that have pure football prediction for today’s matches.
Transfer assurances
Planning for Arsenal’s 2023/24 campaign will call for a lot from Edu and Arteta. While they have been assured of good investment in transfers by the club management, raising money from player sales will provide a crucial avenue for the same. After leading for most of last season, then finishing second, Arsenal will have the belief that with squad depth, they can challenge Manchester City.
Getting squad depth could mean the sale of players and some have already been reported for this consideration. Kieran Tierney is one. Once considered a pillar for Arsenal, the Scot had to settle for scraps after Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival. His transfer fee is placed at around £40m.
The same rating is also placed on Folarin Balogun, an academy graduate coming from a good season on loan at Reims, which culminated in him switching allegiances to represent USA at the international level. AC Milan and RB Leipzig are clubs said to be watching Balogun’s situation at Arsenal.
Xhaka departure
Granit Xhaka is another player who could depart Arsenal ahead of the new season. One of the long serving players at the Emirates, Xhaka had a great season last term. With a year remaining on his contract, the Gunners are said to be keen on cashing in, with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen reportedly interested. The Swiss could fetch the Gunners some £20m. Nicolas Pepe represents some of the biggest misses for Arsenal in the transfer market in recent years.
Signed for £72m, the Ivorian failed to live up to the billing as Arsenal’s most expensive signing. He was shipped out on loan last season and there is much expected of him next season. The player seems resigned to that fate and a sum in the region of £10m – £15m will be acceptable to Arsenal. Another long serving player who looks set to leave is Rob Holding. The Englishman struggled to replace injured William Saliba in the Arsenal back four. As Arteta culls, it is almost impossible to say Rob will survive.
See More:
- Top 5 Players Arsenal Should Sign This Summer 2023
- Top 5 Arsenal Transfer Targets List Summer 2023
- Top 5 Arsenal Players That Are Back From Loan
