Four and counting? Why Arsenal mean business this summer
By Adam Schultz
Arsenal have already been linked with four players thus far in the transfer window, hinting at a mindset of getting business done and done early.
We are only barely a week into the summer transfer window, but Arsenal appears to have bolted out of the starting gate.
Notoriously slow in getting deals over the line in previous years, the Gunners appear to be in hyperdrive as the bid to strengthen the squad takes center stage.
We already know about West Ham’s Declan Rice, and in truth, that deal will likely take the longest to complete. But over the last 48 hours, three other names have popped up on our screens as the Gunners look to add quality and depth to the squad.
Kai Havertz, Romeo Lavia, and Jurrien Timber have all reportedly been in discussions with Arsenal.
Some are still on the fence about Havertz, but there is no denying the German international has the qualities with and without the ball that Mikel Arteta will love.
Timber is a versatile defender equally adept at playing either at right-back or in the heart of the defense, and his ability to play both at a high level will no doubt be pleasing to the Gunners’ hierarchy.
That brings us to Lavia. A defensive midfielder and still a tad raw at 19 years old, but he possesses strength on the ball, quick feet, and an eye for a pass.
All three are reportedly on the Gunners’ wish list and would constitute good business.
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan has also been linked with a move to north London, but there has yet to be any substantial effort as of now to push through that deal.
After coming tantalizingly close to a first Premier League title since 2004, Arteta and Arsenal recognize the importance of strengthening the squad, particularly with Champions League football coming to the Emirates next season.
In years gone by, we have had to wait until the transfer deadline for a big, swashbuckling move to be completed, but this year, there is a clear directive to get deals done as soon as possible.
And that is music to the ears of Arsenal fans everywhere.