Arsenal remain busy in the transfer market, but are looking to shift some players before they add to their squad further this summer. Fortunately, they are beginning to see movement on this front, which could free them up later in the window to continue to reinforce their squad.
Here is the latest.
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Two to depart
As per the London Evening Standard, Arsenal are hoping to confirm two more departures this week, with Pablo Mari and Runar Alex Runarsson both on their way out.
Runarsson is subject to interest from Turkish side Antyalaspor, though the move for the Icelandic goalkeeper would only be a loan. It would, however, free up a first team spot for any additions that Mikel Arteta would want to make.
Meanwhile, a bidding war has emerged for Spanish defender Pablo Mari; at present, Italian side Monza appear to be the most likely destination for the centre-back, which would consist of a loan with an obligation to buy the player should they remain in the Italian top flight.
However, Hellas Verona are also thought to be interested in the centre-back, who would offer a similar deal structure which would include a 5m euro obligation to buy based on survival.
The latest on Bellerin as Torreira exit confirmed
Arsenal’s first sale of the summer has been confirmed, with Lucas Torreira having joined Turkish giants Galatasaray on a permanent deal worth around £5.5m, which could rise to £7m with add-ons included.
Thank you and best of luck, Lucas ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 8, 2022
Meanwhile, reports in Spain claim that Hector Bellerin’s entourage have arrived in England in order to terminate his contract with the Gunners ahead of a move to Real Betis. Bellerin has 12 months left to run on his current deal, which is reportedly worth £110k per week, and his giving that up could save Arsenal almost £6m.
A transfer fee is increasingly unlikely, however. Betis full-back Alex Moreno turned down a £9m move to Nottingham Forest on Monday, which has left Betis with almost no financial wiggle-room this summer.
And, with Bellerin dead-set on returning to his boyhood club, Arsenal are in a tough situation.
Incomings latest
With just four departures so far, Arsenal still have 30 senior players at their disposal, far more than the 25 man Premier League squad limit. Even though some of those (Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli) don’t have to be registered due to being under 21, the feeling remains that the squad is far too big to manage this season.
Should all three of the aforementioned players manage to find new clubs this summer, it could pave the way for Arsenal to step up their own recruitment once more.
They remain keen on Youri Tielemans, with David Ornstein reporting that“Youri Tielemans is a player Arsenal like. Leicester City would sell with only a year to go on his contract.”
“But there’s no movement on that one yet & I think Arsenal would need to let someone go if they’re to bring someone in.”
He also added that ‘They want to add a winger to what they have got’, though that may depend on the futures of current wide pair Nicolas Pepe and Reiss Nelson.
For now the focus is on outgoings, but the feeling is that the Gunners remain keen on doing more business of their own before the September deadline.
