Arsenal: 4 crucial upcoming transfers in summer window

4. Attacking Midfield

Players linked:

• James Maddison
• Nabil Fekir
• Martin Odegaard
• Houssem Aouar
• Julian Brandt

This is such an interesting position and the last of the ‘essentials’ this summer window (there is an argument about a new striker but nothing significant has emerged so far for somewhere not in urgent need).

What adds to the intrigue, in a very similar way to the central midfielder options, is the differing profiles that Arsenal have been connected with. That point can also be seen from another perspective which is that the Gunners don’t actually know what they want, which is obviously concerning.

Equally, while new stories emerge every day with varying degrees of legitimacy it’s easily the case that there is a clear plan but supporters are informed otherwise. It’s all fairly uncertain what will transpire having seen a bid for Buendia knocked back and links to James Maddison, so it’s a case of placing our faith into the club. All that can be done.

Where there is some element of assurance is that this position won’t be filled with a cheap last-minute alternative. No club in their right mind would fork out £50m+ on a central defender and leave themselves shortchanged to acquire someone for a position that is currently only being fronted by a 20-year-old.

If there is an option at less than the £60m+ quoted for Maddison with equal ability then it naturally makes sense to go for them, but the club can’t have left themselves in a position where their primary targets are beyond their financial means due to their expenditure elsewhere. That’s the hope, anyway.

Another vital position to fill to ease the burden on Emile Smith Rowe.