Despite Arsenal’s recent years of limited activity in transfer windows, the Gunners have been more than busy this summer. The arrival of both Willian and Gabriel Magalhães, coupled with the permanent signings of Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari, signifies a new direction for Arsenal. It is also a new beginning for Mikel Arteta as he prepares for his first full-season in charge.
As well as the incoming news and rumours, it will be no surprise to see players go the other way. As Arsenal head towards this fresh start, it may be the end of the road for some of the more senior players in the squad.
The Hectic Summer Transfer Window at Arsenal Laid Out
Is Now the Right Time for Mesut Özil to Leave Arsenal?
One of the players who is receiving increasing speculation is playmaker Mesut Özil. With such little playing time and extortionate wages, he is a player that Arteta might want to exit the Emirates.
Despite being determined to see out his £350,000 contract, lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and Qatar may win Ozil over.
Defensive Duo Could Depart
Centre-backs Rob Holding and Sokratis have recently been linked with moves away from the Emirates this summer.
Holding had been targeted by Leeds United, but their signing of Robin Koch from Freiburg has seemingly filled their defensive void. However, more recently Newcastle United have shown an interest in the 24-year-old.
Sokratis however, has emerged as a recent transfer target for Napoli. The 32-year-old is moving into the final year of his contract with the Gunners and Napoli are hopeful of securing a deal without a transfer fee.
It would not be a surprise to see both players depart, as the Gunners are heavily saturated with centre-backs. The arrival of Gabriel Magalhães from Lille means that Arsenal now have eight central defenders in. It seems only natural that at least two will be moved on.
Paris Saint-Germain Open Talks Over Bellerin Move
Hector Bellerin has sparked European interest with Paris Saint-Germain particularly keen on the 25-year-old. The French champions have been on the look-out for a new right-back since Thomas Meunier departed in June. PSG have reportedly began talks with Arsenal over the possibility of a £30 million transfer.
However, the club face some serious competition from European champions Bayern Munich, as well as Italian champions Juventus, according to the Guardian
Ultimately, Arsenal would like to Bellerin to stay, as Arteta views him as his first-choice right-back. But, if a suitable fee is proposed then the club will not stand in the way. The Gunners have two good replacements in Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Cedric Soares, so will not have to roam the market if the Spaniard does leave.
Partey and Aouar Remain Targets
It seems if the Bellerin deal goes ahead, it could part-fund Arsenal’s push for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, according to the Athletic. The holding midfielder has a £44.5 million release clause, which may be activated if Arsenal believe it to be necessary.
Additionally, the Gunners are still very much interested in Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar. However, the champions league semi-finalist would also come at a similarly hefty price tag as Partey.
However, it remains unseen whether the pursuit of the pair will be affected by the return of Dani Ceballos. The on-loan Real Madrid midfielder impressed Arsenal fans during his time with the club last season and it has reportedly proved to be enough to earn a second loan spell for the upcoming season.
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