Arsenal: 4 summer transfers close to being completed

The summer transfer window is heating up and Arsenal have been linked with a host of arrivals and departures, all without the window officially opening yet. Efforts are being made to add to the squad but as of yet no sales have been sanctioned, and they will take precedence.

Mikel Arteta will have enjoyed some well deserved rest. He may still be enjoying some, and the same applies to the majority of the club staff who, despite having a mountain of tasks ahead of them this summer, need some time to relax after a unique and stressful campaign.

That hasn’t stopped the club being linked with a variety of signings across the pitch as well as edging closer to lessening the wage bill, and whoever was left at London Colney to keep answering the phone has had his plate full.

Starting out with a terrifying to-do list stacked full of work, the job has gradually become even more daunting with news of other players wanting to leave – which has prompted even more targets to be pursued.

4 Arsenal transfers close to being completed as Mikel Arteta rebuilds squad for next season

Facing upwards of ten exits, as of yet no player has been shown the exit door, whether through a loan, or sale in some pre-agreement with the window opening on June 9.

There has been movement, however.

A few of the outcasts are being linked with moves away while potential arrivals are edging nearer to the Emirates Stadium doors. Doing business early remains as important as ever for all clubs during this period, even if such luxury rarely comes to fruition.

It does seem like Arsenal are getting there. There are a few irons in the fire and of all the talk at present, these four are the closest to being completed. Who knows what may happen this summer, though!

1. Matteo Guendouzi – Marseille

Interested club: Marseille
Rumoured fee: €12m+

This is why buying young players is so beneficial. Matteo Guendouzi arrived for £7m, had a strong first season then fell foul to his attitude, being shunned from the Arsenal side by Arteta and never seeing the light of day for the final eight Premier League fixtures.

Hertha Berlin took him off Arsenal’s hands last season and he only started 19 league games. It was a solid enough loan spell but hardly a career-changing time with a bottom half Bundesliga team.

But still clubs want to sign him. Being young offers potential and since he was bought cheap it means he won’t break the bank. Investing in players such as Guendouzi is mostly risk free. Even after 18 or so terrible months as an Arsenal player, clubs still want him.

The team in question are Marseille who’re way in front of any other clubs in trying to secure his signature. They’ve been the side pushing the boat out for him and regular updates from France and elsewhere have Guendouzi already agreeing to personal terms and being shown around the club, with all that’s left to arrange being the fee.

As per Le10 Sport, Arsenal are playing hard ball. Demanding ‘well over €10m’, the fact there is an extension option in the midfielder’s contract means the Gunners are haggling on the basis he has two years left.

However, a ‘quick agreement’ is expected and this one could get over the line shortly.