Arsenal’s priority in this transfer window is no secret: they want a new centre-forward.
But additions to the squad will not end there. In light of the club’s return to European football, Arsenal are aware they need to strengthen in other departments: they also intend to add a No 8 to augment their midfield and are interested in signing a left-sided centre-half to support Gabriel.
Last summer, Arsenal were the Premier League’s highest spenders in transfer fees, bringing in six players for a reported £140 million. This summer, the strategy is different: Arsenal hope to add a smaller number of players, but lift the quality of the squad substantially.
The failure to qualify for the Champions League is a setback, certainly in budgetary terms. Arsenal believe, however, that they will still be able to land their key targets. They feel that the project, the city, and a persuasive manager still make them a compelling proposition for potential signings.
Some of the main targets are well-known. Arsenal are still optimistic that their interest in Gabriel Jesus will bear fruit. Discussions between Arsenal’s technical director Edu and Jesus’ representatives are believed to have been taking place for months, and with just one year remaining on his contract, Arsenal will surely interpret City’s demands as a negotiating position.
Jesus is Arsenal’s No 1 target — he is seen as the perfect fit for their Arsenal attack. He has the intelligent movement that manager Mikel Arteta is looking for, while his versatility also offers flexibility. Crucially, he also works incredibly hard off the ball. Pep Guardiola and Brazil manager Tite have both called Jesus the best pressing forward in the world.
If a deal is to be struck, Edu will be key to any negotiations. Arsenal’s technical director and Jesus go some way back: he was the general coordinator of the Brazil national team when Jesus received his first cap in September 2016. It is helpful too that Arteta worked alongside Jesus at the Etihad. Several other clubs are interested in signing Jesus, which could push Arsenal to act sooner rather than later.
Reports suggest City could demand as much as £50 million for Jesus — a steep price for a player whose contract expires in 2023. Arsenal will hope that position is merely the start of a negotiation. The club acknowledge, however, that the centre-forward market is not one synonymous with great value. They accept they will have to pay a premium price to land a goalscorer, whoever they go for — and are prepared to do so.
There are other names in contention. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Alexander Isak were both discussed in January. Isak’s high release clause, and Sociedad’s seeming unwillingness to negotiate, may rule him out the picture. Calvert-Lewin is still admired by Arsenal staff, but there are concerns after a difficult season due to injury and poor form.
Arsenal’s list of targets includes several strikers in Serie A. They held an interest in Tammy Abraham last summer, and would likely have pursued him more aggressively had they found a willing buyer for Alexandre Lacazette. Instead, the former Chelsea forward went to Roma, where he has enjoyed a fantastic debut season. Arsenal are still following him closely, and the player would be open to a return to London, but Roma have no interest in selling.
Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez was the subject of interest from Arsenal and Tottenham before signing a new contract in October 2021, and Arteta and Edu remain firm admirers of the Argentinian. His new deal would make him expensive, however, and he prefers to play in a front two.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, 23, is another player Arsenal have followed closely. Given that Napoli signed him for a fee of up to €80 million, he is another that would command a premium price tag. There is also an…
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