Arsenal: Mikel Arteta hints at new transfers

With almost half of the transfer window already passing Arsenal by, the lack of signings is beginning to cause some unrest as the club prepare to jet off to the USA for the second leg of their pre-season preparations.

The summer kicked off with a tour of Scotland that saw the Gunners fail to secure any victories, which is of little importance in the context of performances and fitness.

Losing out to Hibernian via a gifted opener and a poorly defended set piece, the absence of any new signings was the not the ideal way to kick off the return to action. Nuno Tavares had signed, only for a paperwork issue to rule him out of playing.

He made his mark against Rangers, however, netting a fine goal after 23 minutes to lift to mood and help Arsenal on their way to a 2-2 draw. His first 45 minutes in red and white offered plenty of encouragement.

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta hints at new transfers in summer window with Albert Lokonga and Ben White hoping to be added to with key additions

Behind the scenes as the Ibrox fixture was being built up to, Ben White had all-but ensured his place in the Emirates Stadium dressing room after a £50m fee was agreed with Brighton to make him the club’s record ever transfer for a defender. All that awaits is a medical once he returns from his holidays.

So who is next?

The footballing world is well aware that Albert Sambi Lokonga is a deal edging ever closer and Mikel Arteta even hinted so speaking on the official Arsenal website after Saturday’s game.

"“We trained really hard, played two games, and now we’re going to be travelling to America in the next week,” he said.“We didn’t have any injuries which is really positive in the first week. We’re going to have some new faces arriving probably, so very positive.”"

Unless something has been kept well under wraps, the pluralised form of ‘face’ is intriguing. It could well be a hint to Lokonga as well as other players returning from extended holidays, but the manager seems upbeat about the club bringing in new additions in the coming days.

With Tavares, Lokonga and White all-but nailed on additions, it takes Arsenal closer to completing their unwritten of list of seven priority areas to strengthen.

Aaron Ramsdale grows increasingly likely to be another one. The Sheffield United goalkeeper sits atop the wishlist in that department and while it looks set to be an expensive acquisition, the plan is clear on that front.

Manuel Locatelli continues to attract gossip and despite the player favouring a Juventus switch Arsenal are persevering for the Italian. Exciting times ahead? Or worrying ones?