The summer transfer period is expected to be extremely busy for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta seems to be following in the footsteps of Premier League title-winning managers as the transfer window approaches. Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz, and David Raya were added to the Spaniard’s squad this summer, giving him yet another strong support system.
The only players still at Arsenal who are thought to be a part of Arteta’s long-term plans were Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka when the manager took over from Unai Emery. Arteta took over the team in December 2019 and immediately implemented a number of changes in an effort to trim down the bloated and aging roster.
Along with a number of other players, former favorites Mesut Ozil, Sead Kolasinac, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, David Luiz, Hector Bellerin, Bernd Leno, Alexandre Lacazette, and Granit Xhaka have all left the team. There are still a few players at the Emirates who could be cut, but Arteta is getting close to having the squad he wants going forward.
As both players have been linked with departures, Kierney Tierney and Albert Sambi Lokonga seem to no longer be in Arteta’s future plans. According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal expects to recoup £100 million from player sales, and as such, Nicolas Pepe, Nuno Tavarez, Cedric Soares, and Rob Holding may also depart.
Preseason friendly between Arsenal FC and FC Nürnberg.
But what many find more surprising is Arsenal’s attempt to make money off of young striker Folarin Balogun. The 22-year-old’s performances in Ligue 1 last season won him praise, but since joining the team again this summer, he has struggled to win over Arteta.
With no apparent way for Balogun to influence Arteta’s decision, Eddie Nketiah is preferred as Gabriel Jesus’ backup. If Balogun is able to move on to another Premier League club, Arteta may pay for his ruthlessness.
But that ruthless management style is what has historically worked so well.
Romelu Lukaku’s departure from Chelsea in 2014 drew harsh criticism, but Diego Costa led the line as Chelsea went on to win the league.
However, the Red Devils went on to win two more Premier League championships in the ensuing four years, despite the fact that Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson received some criticism for not signing Cristiano Ronaldo when he left in 2009. Letting talented players go always carries a risk, but the money saved is frequently put to better use in the squad by strengthening other areas that require more focus.
Before the transfer window closes, Arteta reportedly wants to add more midfield reinforcements, and the money from the sale of Balogun would enable him to do so. A brutal choice, but one that might be necessary for Arsenal’s season and beyond.
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