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.

2. Sead Kolasinac and Willian Exits Draw Near

These two can be bundled up together as it appears the pair are nearing the exit door ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

Well, we say that, and then Arteta goes and plays Sead Kolasinac for consecutive 90 minutes against West Brom and the reigning Premier League champions. The same Bosnian who is trying to reach an agreement with the club to have his contract cancelled and whose replacement was signed earlier in the window.

A quite baffling decision to make, one that doesn’t even account for how desperately below an acceptable standard he is. Still, he won’t be on the books come September. He can’t be.

As for Willian, he is 100% leaving. It hasn’t worked out, at all, and fortunately there are suitors in Brazil who see value in him. The announcement is imminent.

He’s going to finish as top scorer at Corinthians and help them win the league, isn’t he?

There is talk of the 33-year-old waiving the remainder of his entire £20m salary to leave with his integrity in tact after admitting it hasn’t worked for him in red and white. While that would be an incredible gesture on his part, his agent is Kia Joorabchian. That name alone should be more than enough reason to feel somewhat sceptical.

3. Hector Bellerin and/or Cedric Moving On

Just because nothing it being played out in the public eye doesn’t mean there isn’t anything rumbling on behind the scenes. This is key to remember and important at this stage because, as far as the outside is concerned, Hector Bellerin looks set to stay at Arsenal.

His move to Inter broke down and discussions over an unlikely swap deal with Atletico Madrid for Kieran Trippier have rolled on to no avail so far.

Bellerin has to be loaned or sold this window with all parties wanting an amicable solution, as talk of a supposed injury feels like a smokescreen to protect the defender from any unwanted injury prior to a possible move. Bellerin deserves a move where he can have a fresh start. Where may that be, though? There is nothing to go on, but surely something in the background.

As for Cedric, if Arsenal are serious about returning to the European places this season then starting football matches with him in the side is not a staunch indicator of that stance. Having been frozen out by Arteta at the tail end of last season, he’s now started back-to-back Premier League matches against the European champions and the English champions.

Go figure.

Arteta would love to move him on, as would the supporters, but is there any chance of that happening? It’d only ever be a loan and reports suggest Cedric isn’t overly keen on the idea.

Both gone would be most welcome though, as it opens the door for change.

4. A New Right-Back to Help Ben White

When you spend £50m on one of England’s rising central defensive talents it feels somewhat like a kick in the teeth to then line him up next to one of Bellerin, Calum Chambers or Cedric.

Knowing White’s style of play and comfort playing out from the back, he needs a stronger partner on that side, one which has been a troubling area for Arsenal, in order to allow him to prosper and to unlock the players in front.

Securing a first team right-back has the potential to transform that side of the pitch. Someone physically able who can forge partnerships and has the technical security to build from the goalkeeper reliably is essential. Thankfully the window closes after three rounds of league fixtures have already been played since there were some (guilty!) who thought just maybe Arsenal could get away with the options they have until January at least.

Who is there out there? This is the concern.

With the clock ticking, not only do Arsenal need to find and convince both player and his club that any move will suit, but also, any deal can only be concluded once one or more of the aforementioned options are moved on.

A back four of (new right-back), White, Gabriel and Tierney, surprisingly, is a lot more reassuring than Cedric, Chambers, Holding and Kolasinac.

Quite a lot better, in fact. It would change the outlook of this window.

5. Miguel Azeez and Ainsley Maitland-Niles

In the case of Miguel Azeez, it looks like he will imminently be announced as a Portsmouth player for the 2021/22 season as he closes in on a season-long loan.

Under the management of Dan Cowley in League One, this is a great move for him: senior football at a level he can play regularly with a manager who built a great rapport with Emile Smith Rowe at Huddersfield.

Soon to turn 19, it’s the right call. Better than Under-23 matches and the occasional cup game.

That also hints towards Ainsley Maitland-Niles staying at the club. With Xhaka, Partey, Sambi and Elneny not going anywhere, having a fifth option to help in case of injuries, suspension, form and when two of that quartet head to AFCON, will be beneficial.

He has undoubted use at full-back which he does not want to play to his own detriment, and while offers may arrive (Everton want a loan), he could surely only be moved on if another addition would be made, especially with Azeez set to head out.

Maitland-Niles’ case is an interesting one to watch for with him entering the penultimate year of his contract. What Arsenal opt to do may be dependent on what they’re offered.

6. Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson Departures

Two academy products, who burst onto the scene at Arsenal to huge fanfare having fully deserved their respective first team inclusions, look set to leave. Reiss Nelson in particular was considered one of the brightest talents Hale End has ever produced.

As for Nketiah, it was felt Chelsea’s loss was very much Arsenal’s gain, for once.

And here we are with hours left to go in the transfer window and the pair having less than one year left to run on their respective contracts. What a mess.

Crystal Palace have shown interest in the striker and are willing to pay £10m for him, with the Gunners wanting closer to £20m, which is rather absurd. Just take £12m or anything close to what they’ve offered. Don’t dally. You’ll only end up with egg on your face.

As for Nelson, hopefully he decides to sign the new contract offered to him and then secures a loan move somewhere else in the Premier League. It would be more beneficial to him, too, as in 12 months’ time he’ll have greater options for his future should he perform consistently across an entire league campaign.

Palace for £12m and a new deal plus loan for Nelson? That’s close to the ideal outcome at this stage.

7. Folarin Balogun Leaving on Loan

Looking across the fixture list for when Folarin Balogun was going to play this season, none felt more nailed on than a Carabao Cup second round tie away at West Brom. It was the least glamorous of all the games Arsenal will play this term and he didn’t even make the bench.

The circumstances were that Arteta had to win with a strong squad to lift the spirits within the team, and given it’s one of only two trophies Arsenal can win this season, you understand his point of view.

But it also spells bad news for Flo. If he can’t get into those squads, he won’t get into any others.

Therefore, and this being contingent on Alexandre Lacazette playing out the final year of his contract which, barring a remarkable turnaround looks set to happen, Flo needs to get a loan move away.

He’s young, hungry, talented and physical. Under-23 football is no longer for him. Balogun needs to play against men, not boys.

Looking at Azeez’s potential switch to Portsmouth, that sort of move would be perfect for the 19-year-old. Let him go out and play every week, gaining valuable minutes before taking Lacazette’s vacated place in the squad for 2022/23.

It’s what is best for him.