The tricks of the transfer window are what make this period so exciting and frustrating. It is not just a battle of negotiation between clubs but a tactical war of words at times.
Arsenal have been on the receiving end of plenty of disappointing moments where a player seemed to be linked forever before either staying or moving elsewhere. Names such as Sebastien Frey or Yann M’Vila come to mind.
However, it is not just those higher up in the clubs doing the work but the media have opened a corridor for players to get in on the act. Often those who are not even being linked with the move.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta chooses Arsenal striker clone 'priority' after Gabriel Jesus transfer decision
It is commonplace for players to be asked about their future, but Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes recently exercised the opportunity to reveal how he might be working behind the scenes to help convince a top target to come. Whilst with the Brazilian national side he had this to say about the Gunners links to Gabriel Jesus.
“We joke in the dressing room, but nothing is certain,” Magalhaes said via Globo. “He is certainly a quality player and, if he goes to Arsenal, he will help us a lot.”
More of that please Gabriel. However, perhaps this is a technique that more of the Arsenal squad can learn from whilst they partake in the final round of international matches.
Arsenal have a number of players away with their respective sides and with England in particular. Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White are with the Three Lions along with Roma striker Tammy Abraham. White has however since pulled out due to injury.
football.london understands that the former Chelsea forward is one of the players that Arsenal have held an interest in. They were keen on a deal before he moved to Roma but the presence of both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made the deal impossible.
With both now no longer part of the plans, however, Arsenal are pushing to find their new number nine. Gabriel’s tactics perhaps can be shared by Saka, Ramsdale and White.
In fact, Ramsdale admitted that Saka was having words with the goalkeeper prior to his move. Ramsdale told FourFourTwo that the young star was speaking about the future Gunners starter to coach Mikel Arteta.
“It wasn’t Mikel Arteta, to be honest – it was Bukayo (Saka)!” Ramsdale said. “I heard rumours that Arsenal were interested in me when I was at the camp before the Euros, and Bukayo had mentioned that he and the boss had been talking about me.”
Perhaps it is time for Saka to continue this fine form? Mikel Arteta has his scouts off the field, but it is those on it that are surprising for Arsenal this summer it seems.
