There are just 11 days remaining of the transfer window, but Arsenal have plenty left to do.
The Gunners have already bolstered their defensive ranks by bringing in Riccardo Calafiori, while they are looking to strengthen the midfield with the acquisition of Mikel Merino. There is also hope that a versatile forward can be added before the window slams shut on August 30.
The goalkeeping position is somewhere Arsenal are also likely to be active. They have, of course, already done business in this area this summer. David Raya’s loan move from Brentford was made permanent for a fee of £27million, and the Spaniard has firmly established himself as number one at the Emirates Stadium. Beyond him though, there is less certainty.
Aaron Ramsdale is keen to secure a move away from north London after losing his starting spot to Raya. This though has proved slightly difficult.
Arsenal would like a permanent transfer for the England international, and are keen to recoup as much of the near-£30million fee they paid for him as possible. Having handed the 26-year-old a big money contract extension just last year though, this will now be tricky for the Gunners as there are few teams willing to pay such a hefty amount on top of Ramsdale’s sizeable wage
A loan deal would be more palatable with Ajax and Southampton among those understood to have expressed interest. As things stand though, Arsenal are remaining firm on their stance that only a permanent move will do.
One of the reasons for this is that they would be forced to dip into the market if Ramsdale does end up leaving. Karl Hein has joined Real Valladolid on loan for the season. The Estonian played every minute of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States, but was promised that he would be able to leave on loan before signing a contract extension earlier this summer.
This means that the current third choice goalkeeper is Tommy Setford. The 18-year-old was signed from Ajax this summer and will train with the first team for the coming season. Setford has never played a senior game though, and a more experienced option will be required to bridge the gap.
Arsenal submitted an offer of £50,000 for Dan Bentley earlier in the window. The Wolves stopper has worked with Inaki Cana before and would fulfil a homegrown spot in the Arsenal squad. There has been no second bid at time of writing however.
Joan Garcia of Espanyol is another player Arsenal have looked at. Aged 23, Garcia would fit into the Gunners’ policy of signing younger players. However, the Spaniard’s release clause went up to £25.7million last Thursday. As with all La Liga release clauses, it would need to be paid in full. This would make a permanent deal this summer tricky as Arsenal look to do their business sustainably.
