Just four days in to the transfer window, most of the talk involving Arsenal has been around their attempts to acquire a centre forward. Eddie Nketiah is in talks over a contract extension, but it is still thought that another striker will be brought in this summer, with Gabriel Jesus understood to be the main target.
The Gunners are also looking to add in central midfield. Local rivals Tottenham have agreed a £25 million deal with Brighton for Yves Bissouma who was a player Arsenal were tracking, but Edu is looking elsewhere to bolster this area of the pitch. Youri Tielemans is thought to be the main target and football.london understands that talks were held with his representatives over a move.
Arsenal will also strengthen their goalkeeping department when Matt Turner arrives from New England Revolution in the coming weeks. However, when it comes to the right wing position, the future is far less clear.
READ MORE: Arsenal to get help with Youri Tielemans transfer, Yves Bissouma interest and Marquinhos plan
Bukayo Saka established himself as the undisputed first choice in the position last season scoring 12 goals and registering 7 assists. The 20-year-old also struck up a nice partnership with Martin Odegaard in that area of the pitch and was key to Arsenal's increased effectiveness in attack during the second half of the season.
Despite this impressive form though, it is not entirely clear where his future lies at this moment in time. Saka has two years remaining on his current contract and football.london understands that the Gunners will prioritise offering him an extension this summer. The England international only signed his current deal in 2020, but Arsenal want to offer him something more in line with his current standing at the club.
They will want to get the move wrapped up quickly, with Manchester City and Liverpool both reportedly interested in taking the Hale Ender if he becomes available. However, having managed to get high earners like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette off the wage bill in recent months, director of football operations Richard Garlick will be hopeful of convincing Saka to stay.
Having qualified for European football again though Arsenal will be well aware that they need strong back up for Saka. The England international played more minutes than any player in the Gunners squad last season, and with the increased number of games brought about by the Europa League and mid-season World Cup, they will be keen not to overburden their young star.
Marquinhos has already been signed from Sao Paulo and is a player who primarily plays on the right wing despite being comfortable on the left. Arsenal are working to secure a work permit for the Brazilian and are confident of getting that done, but he has been described by Edu as "a player for the future," which would suggest that he may not be in the club's immediate plans. He is however, expected to join up with Mikel Arteta's side for pre-season and if he impresses enough then the Gunners may well be tempted to re-evaluate their stance.
Despite this, Arsenal have been linked with a whole host of left footed right wingers. One of these is Christopher Nkunku who had an outstanding campaign with RB Leipzig, scoring 35 goals and managing 19 assists. The Gunners showed interest in signing the French winger during Unai Emery's time in charge of the club, but the reported £100 million asking price could be a stumbling block.
Leeds United's Raphinha is another player who is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal. The Brazilian, who scored 11 goals for Jesse Marsch's side last season, is also thought to be a target for Barcelona, Chelsea and Tottenham though.
A move for any of these player could be complicated by the fact that Nicolas Pepe is still at the club. football.london understands that the Ivorian has changed his agent with the intention of securing a move to a team where he can get more game time, having failed to start a single match for Arsenal in 2022. The Gunners are unlikely to stand in his way if a suitable offer comes in for him given that there is just two years left on his contract, but thus far that hasn't come through.
Reiss Nelson meanwhile is also still an Arsenal player having returned from his loan spell with Feyenoord. The 22-year-old impressed out in Holland, helping his side reach the Europa Conference League final, and Feyenoord have expressed an interest in taking him back next season. However, the Eredivisie team's financial restrictions mean that a permanent deal could be tricky.
There are also a host of exciting young players coming through the academy. Omari Hutchinson and Marcelo Flores both caught the eye for the under-23s last season. football.london understands that Hutchinson is expected to go out on loan next season, while Flores is keen to make his first team debut ahead of the World Cup in November.
