Whether Arsène Wenger stays or goes at the end of the 2017/18 season, it is likely to be a very busy transfer window at the Emirates Stadium this summer. Targeting just two or three players won’t be sufficient if Arsenal are to rid themselves of the dead wood that will see them miss out on Champions League qualification for a second year in succession if they fail to go all the way in the Europa League.
Arsenal fans are understandably frustrated at the lack of success in the Premier League, especially when they have to pay the most for season tickets in the country. The last two transfer windows have finally shown a higher level of intent, though Alexandre Lacazette has struggled since his £46.5 million move from Lyon. Both Henrikh Mkhitaryan and new club record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have looked more impressive and will ensure that punters looking for betting odds on Stakers.com during the remainder of the season will get great value. Hopefully, their arrivals will also be the start of a revolution on and off the pitch.
Despite Petr Čech’s recent achievement in being the first Premier League goalkeeper to earn 200 clean sheets, the Gunners will be eager to bring in a younger replacement over the summer. Reports suggest that Arsenal are in the running to sign Atlético Madrid’s world-class shot-stopper Jan Oblak, who has a €100 million release clause. He currently has the shortest odds of any player to join the club, so a deal could be possible.
Following the loss of Alexis Sánchez to Manchester United, Wenger will also want to add more pace and guile out wide, and PSG’s Julian Draxler could fit the bill. Arsenal were reportedly told in December that they could sign the talented 24-year-old for a £40 million fee, and the club may want to tie up a transfer quickly in case Draxler enhances his reputation with Germany at the 2018 World Cup.
Nebil Fekir
Nabil Fekir is also set to play a major role for France in the international tournament this summer after an excellent season with Lyon. The pacey young forward has been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona in recent months, but Arsenal could snap him up for a £45 million fee.
Central midfield has been a problem all season as Arsenal have so often been bullied and outplayed in that area, especially in big games. An overhaul is long overdue, especially as Granit Xhaka has failed to truly shine since his move from Mönchengladbach in 2016. Wenger may look to Germany again as Hoffenheim’s Kerem Demirbay is believed to be near the top of the shopping list. The 24-year-old has been capped twice for his country and could be available for around £20 million, which is a snip in today’s market. The Gunners are also interested in Schalke’s Max Meyer, a technically gifted playmaker who is out of contract in the summer, and Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucouré.
Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo
Rumoured transfer targets in defence are thin on the ground, but Arsenal will be hopeful of addressing the problem left-back area. Benfica’s Álex Grimaldo could be an option, and the manager may want to add strength in depth at centre-back due to the advancing years of Laurent Koscielny. Valenciennes defender Pierre Barremaecker has recently revealed that a switch to the Emirates would be a dream move.
Whatever happens on the pitch during the next two months, it promises to be an exciting summer for Arsenal fans.
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