Arsenal's summer transfer window has been a busy one.
The Gunners were keen to finalise the majority of their incomings early on, bringing in five first-team players in the first seven weeks of the window. Backup goalkeeper Matt Turner, young winger Marquinhos, talented playmaker Fabio Vieira, versatile fullback Oleksandr Zinchenko and prolific striker Gabriel Jesus have all arrived at the Emirates Stadium.
However, there is just over one week left before the window slams shut, leaving technical director Edu with barely any time to finalise additional signings whilst also continuing to offload a number of fringe players to help balance the books. With that being said, football.london takes a look at what Mikel Arteta's ideal squad could look like at the end of the window if Edu is able to finalise five deals before the deadline.
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Incomings
Pedro Neto
It has been no secret that Arsenal have been keen to add a winger to their squad this summer. Despite considerable interest, a move for Leeds United star Raphinha never materialised as the Brazilian international had his heart set on Barcelona whilst the likes of Leroy Sane, Moussa Diaby and Cody Gakpo have since been linked with a move to north London.
However, The Athletic reported on Monday morning that it is Wolves winger Pedro Neto that sits on the top of the Gunners' winger shortlist, although Bruno Lage's side are thought to want around £50 million for the talented 22-year-old considering he signed a long-term contract just a few months ago.
Youri Tielemans
Leicester City central midfielder Youri Tielemans has been constantly linked with a move to Arsenal in recent months. Tielemans is into the final ten months of his contract with the Foxes, meaning he may be available for a cut-price fee this summer and football.london understands that the Gunners are indeed interested in signing the Belgian international.
In fact, Edu held a meeting with the player's representatives at the club's London Colney training ground earlier this year, football.london understands - although it remains to be seen whether or not a deal will be finalised before the window shuts.
Outgoings
Hector Bellerin
It is fairly obvious that Hector Bellerin's time at the Emirates Stadium is coming to an end this summer. Bellerin spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan with La Liga outfit Real Betis and he has made it no secret of his desire to rejoin Betis, whom he supported as a child.
“For now, I have to go back (to London)," the Spaniard told Betis TV’s 'Todo al Verde' via sportzshala back in May. "I have spoken with the two clubs and I have made my position clear to them.
"There are two months ahead to look for the best start for everyone. I made an effort to come and I am willing to make any effort so that this continues to be my home, because I am happy.
"It is also true that I had very nice moments in London, in England. Arsenal has given a lot, the opportunity to be a professional. If I leave it, it will be difficult, but hopefully everything goes as we want."
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Another player that spent time out on loan last term was Hale End academy graduate Ainsley Maitland-Niles, going to Serie A club AS Roma on a short-term basis back in January. Maitland-Niles has fallen down the pecking order under Arteta's tutelage and the likes of West Ham United and Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move recently.
The England international is into the final year of his contract in north London, meaning a permanent exit seems much more likely than a loan.
Nicolas Pepe
Club-record signing Nicolas Pepe appears to be closing in on a return to Ligue 1, with OGC Nice said to be the favourites to sign the Ivorian. Pepe also struggled for game time last season, falling behind Bukayo Saka in Arteta's starting XI, with a summer departure potentially helping Arsenal's pursuit of the aforementioned Neto.
Reports have suggested that any deal for the 27-year-old will be a season-long loan with an option to buy next summer.
Arsenal's ideal squad after five potential transfers:
Goalkeepers: Ramsdale, Turner
Defenders: Tomiyasu, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Holding, Tierney, Zinchenko.
Midfielders: Partey, Elneny, Odegaard, Vieira, Tielemans, Xhaka, Smith Rowe, Sambi Lokonga.
Forwards: Neto, Gabriel Jesus, Nketiah
Under-21 players: Hein, Saliba, Azeez, Saka, Martinelli, Marquinhos.
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