Arsenal: 7 pieces of transfer business by deadline day

Yes, indeed, that time of the year is approaching. Preferably it would have a few more days attached to it in order for Arsenal to complete what it is they’re after but, hey, it’s not like the summer transfer window is open for 12 weeks or anything, right?

Following the events of that forgettable but unshakable afternoon at Manchester City, whatever business fans thought needed doing in the final hours of the transfer window has been amplified. Mikel Arteta, some feel, should be part of it.

Realistically, however, is anyone expecting a remarkable trolley dash a la August 2011 where Arsenal signed Park Chu-Young, Andre Santos, Per Mertesacker, Yossi Benayoun and one Arteta in dramatic fashion? Well, if they are, they probably don’t want that.

A lot centres around who will be leaving, which can then prompt who may make a late arrival.

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Arsenal: 7 pieces of transfer business that either could or need to be completed by deadline day as Mikel Arteta makes final adjustments to his squad

Having signed five players already to fill what was the realistic initial demands of around seven players – a goalkeeper, left-back, right-back, centre-back, two midfielders and an attacking midfielder – the extension of Granit Xhaka’s contract was seen as hitting one of those nails on the head.

Aaron Ramsdale, Nuno Tavares, Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Martin Odegaard are the names who’ve made their way to Arsenal this window and as much as fans, and Mikel Arteta, seemed to want a centre-forward, it’s looking highly unlikely at this late stage.

Departures are next on the board with big decisions to make in regards to certain moves as there are a few names who, should they leave, have ramifications for other members of the squad.

There is a lot to do. Many decisions to make, many deals to thrash out and likely a few financial hits to take. It’s also worryingly quiet on the transfer front for the vast majority whom could be on the way out. A sea of Mat Ryan-esque surprise moves on the horizon? We’ll have to wait and see.

Let the scramble commence.

1. Alex Runarsson and/or Arthur Okonkwo Moves

Between the two there are no fan divides on which of the goalkeepers should be moved on this window.

Alex Runarsson has no future at Arsenal, while Arthur Okonkwo has been promoted to the senior squad and handed a new long-term contract to signal how highly rated he is within Arsenal quarters.

Ramsdale’s arrival ensures that the top two places in between the sticks are nailed down, leaving one of these two to be moved on before the deadline day. Or could it be both?

Runarsson has so far failed to secure a move away (bizarre, that) while Okonkwo, as evidenced by being the reserve option against Man City when Nicolas Pepe was a late squad withdrawal, is third in line.

Yet with Karl Hein also in the frame and having just one year left on his deal, could he be used as third choice for the season with Okonkwo getting a loan and the Icelandic stopper, hopefully, being sold? Perhaps.