Arsenal are entering the final week of the trading period with the club seeking reinforcements before the deadline arrives. Departures also need to be managed, though an impressive beginning to the campaign, at a time when several of the traditional top clubs have struggled, has significantly boosted optimism.
Victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield, followed by a 3-0 success on the opening weekend against Coventry City, has sent a clear signal to the rest of the league. Arteta is pursuing additional trophies, and his squad appears capable of delivering them.
Nevertheless, considerable developments could unfold during the remaining seven days, potentially shaping much of what transpires before May. With this in mind, football.london examines what an ideal week would look like for the north London side.
Smashing the transfer record
The club’s record sale stands at £35 million, dating back to 2017 when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain departed for Liverpool. Despite Emile Smith Rowe, Folarin Balogun, Alex Iwobi and Eddie Nketiah all moving on for fees approaching that figure, none managed to exceed it.
Gabriel Martinelli appears set to depart before the window shuts, and football.london understands the club are seeking a fee considerably higher than their existing benchmark. Al Hilal have progressed furthest in negotiations, and the club will be hopeful of agreeing terms.
Signing the key player
That phrase of the key player continues to resonate as Arsenal pursue a forward to conclude the window positively. Christos Tzolis has been excellent, but with Martinelli potentially leaving, the squad would be lacking in options should a replacement not be secured.
Julian Alvarez and Kenan Yildiz are the two names most frequently mentioned, though the latter seems highly improbable. Alvarez, however, with the strong reaction from Atletico Madrid supporters and the player’s demeanour evident to observers, suggests remaining would be illogical.
A loan arrangement in these closing days could emerge as a middle-ground solution for all involved, should a permanent deal prove unachievable.
Competitors stumbling
It proved an excellent weekend as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Aston Villa all failed to win. Manchester City were equally unconvincing, requiring a 91st-minute winner to secure victory.
Despite questions surrounding Arsenal’s trading activity, it must be acknowledged that compared to numerous other clubs, they have conducted a more successful window. The hope remains that no remarkable and unexpected late activity occurs from teams like City prior to the deadline.