I'm sure we were all getting used to new signings arriving through the door every other week, but unfortunately, there must be departures to make things work out.
That's exactly what will be happening over the coming days and weeks at Arsenal, but that's not to say the fun is stopping there. Five additions worth around £120m combined have already been made, including Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira, although Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu have both made it clear that there could be more arrivals if the market allows them.
This is why the next phase of the transfer window is crucial for the club, and sales will play a key part in securing further signings. Speaking on the U.S. tour, Arteta reiterated the importance of turning attention towards outgoings due to his bloated squad, which has been caused by recent incomings and the return of several loanees.
READ MORE: Edu accelerates Arsenal sales to 'complete' Mikel Arteta's sixth summer deal before new season
"We have a large squad, so we have to make some decisions as well on the players that we're not going to be using consistently and be fair and straight with them, and that's a process that is going to start very soon as well," he explained. "We have to (offload). We have a big squad, and now we have to make things happen."
The process which Arteta referred to hasn't taken long to get up and running, with as many as three players now seemingly approaching the exit door. Bernd Leno is nearing a move to Fulham in a deal worth an initial £8m, according to various reports. Meanwhile, Nuno Tavares is said to be close to joining Atalanta on loan, and Pablo Mari is the subject of strong interest from Fenerbahce, among others.
However, Hector Bellerin could soon join them after a potential breakthrough emerged for his desired return to Real Betis. According to Argentinian journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Everton are interested in Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez. It's added that an approach has already been made, but there is no formal offer at the moment.
So far, it has been suggested that Betis do not have the funds to meet Arsenal's demands for Bellerin, leading to a lack of progress in talks. Despite this, the potential sale of Rodriguez would certainly boost the chances of a move happening, with CIES Football Observatory valuing the player between £12.7m - £16.9m.
Should Everton push ahead with a deal, Betis should easily raise enough funds to return for Bellerin, who has made it quite apparent that a move back to Spain is his preferred choice. It would be a positive outcome for all parties involved, leaving the Gunners with even more space and money to resume their shopping spree this summer.
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