Saliba Departure, Unresolved £100m Deal, and Rice Setback – Unprecedented Transfer Window Nightmare for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta and Edu are focused on strengthening Arsenal’s main squad during the upcoming summer, but what scenario would be considered the most undesirable outcome for the club’s transfer window?

In just over a week’s time, the summer transfer window officially opens and Arsenal’s best-case scenario has already been outlined.

Whether Gunners manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar can successfully work together to get many deals over the line remains to be seen but if deadline day passes with Declan Rice joining, William Saliba signing a new contract in addition to other areas in the first-team squad being bolstered then the club will be in a very good position to challenge for the Premier League trophy again next season.

If recent summer transfer windows for the north London outfit – particularly ever since owner Stan Kroenke became the club’s sole shareholder back in September 2018 – is any indication as to what’s in store in the coming months then expect a minimum of £150million to be spent.

Now, by Arteta’s own admission, he knows just how important this summer is going to be: “To go to the next level is going to be a crucial summer for us, that is for sure,” he said last month. “First of all to make sure we maintain everything we have at the club right now: that we maintain expectations; that we maintain the enthusiasm and energy that are around the place; and we have proper preparation to fulfil the objectives and challenges we will have next season.”

Edu holds a significant responsibility in preparing the Arsenal squad to compete for the Premier League title and make a strong impact in the Champions League. He has disclosed that discussions have already occurred regarding the measures required to achieve these objectives.

“We need to identify how we can improve,” he said. “If we have to improve specific, individual positions, individuals, final turn, midfielders, our defence. We already know what it is because our style of play with Mikel Arteta is very clear. When you see Arsenal play now, you know it’s our style.

“Now we have to understand how to enhance our athletes so the team can improve and reach a new level in terms of performance. I think there is a level above. Mikel and I talked, and we believe we can raise our performance to a new level. Now we have to do good work in the transfer window, we have to understand what we need, get the right athletes, the right traits, and the right athlete mentality so we can raise our squad’s level again.”

While the prospects of Arsenal’s summer transfer window appear promising, it’s important to keep in mind that nothing is certain during this period. A prime example is the January transfer window, when Mykhailo Mudryk seemed destined for Arsenal but ended up joining Chelsea instead.

Therefore, Arsenal fans should prepare themselves for another eventful transfer window. In that context, ArsenalBrief examines what could potentially be the worst-case scenario for the club this summer.

While the prospects of Arsenal’s summer transfer window appear promising, it’s important to keep in mind that nothing is certain during this period. A prime example is the January transfer window, when Mykhailo Mudryk seemed destined for Arsenal but ended up joining Chelsea instead.

Therefore, Arsenal fans should prepare themselves for another eventful transfer window. In that context, ArsenalBrief examines what could potentially be the worst-case scenario for the club this summer.

Fortunately, Mikel Arteta remains optimistic and anticipates receiving positive news in the near future.

“We are trying. We are having conversations and we are trying to maintain the talent we have at the club as I said before,” he said when asked if he was willing to risk Saliba’s contract going into the final 12 months. “But things take time. You have to agree it. There are different parties involved. I think everybody’s intention is the same and hopefully, we’ll find the right solution.”

Mikel Arteta has experienced disappointment in previous transfer windows, having missed out on some of his preferred targets. Therefore, if Declan Rice, who is believed to be Arsenal’s top priority and has been linked with other clubs like Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Manchester City, were to sign elsewhere, it would be a significant setback for Arteta and the team. According to football.london, Rice is highly coveted by Arsenal.

Additionally, it would be far from ideal if Arsenal struggled to generate substantial revenue through player sales, an area where Edu needs to demonstrate his abilities, especially since there is a potential to raise around £100 million by selling players like Kieran Tierney, Granit Xhaka, Folarin Balogun, and Nuno Tavares. Failing to strengthen the squad in necessary areas would also contribute to an undesirable outcome.

Saliba Departure, Unresolved £100m Deal, and Rice Setback – Unprecedented Transfer Window Nightmare for Arsenal