Arsenal are yet to confirm any new summer signings, with the exception of Piero Hincapie’s loan move being made permanent. Still, there is a growing sense that the Gunners are simply playing a waiting game while carefully assessing the market for the best available options.
A central midfielder, a left winger, a right back and potentially a striker are at the top of Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta’s agenda, as Arsenal look to build upon a highly successful campaign. Unfortunately for the Premier League champions, a number of external factors — including the ongoing World Cup and Manchester City’s £116million acquisition of Elliot Anderson — have driven up the asking price of several key targets.
Here, Mirror Football examines some of the most prominent names being tipped for a move to the Emirates Stadium. By assessing their respective estimated transfer valuations, their fit within Arteta’s system and the likelihood of Berta securing a deal, we award each player on the list — with a staggering combined value of £444m — a score out of 10.
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View 5 ImagesMorgan Rogers is Arsenal’s priority signing(Image: Getty)
Morgan Rogers is Arsenal’s primary attacking target this summer. The Gunners are pushing hard to secure a deal as they seek a new forward to strengthen their left flank, with the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard remaining uncertain.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have made significant headway on the player’s side. Nevertheless, Aston Villa’s eye-watering valuation of £130m, given he has multiple years remaining on his contract, presents a challenge.
Chelsea’s pursuit of the 23-year-old England international may also enable Villa to demand a club-record sum from Arsenal. Yet the Gunners are reportedly optimistic about finding a resolution, which could involve potentially tabling an offer including add-ons. There is little question that Rogers would considerably improve Arsenal’s attacking options and, should all parties agree on a sensible valuation, it would be a landmark signing.
View 5 ImagesBradley Barcola is looking unlikely(Image: Getty)
Bradley Barcola is another name on Arteta’s wish list. However, the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s astronomical price tag is further evidence of the market being inflated this summer.
The Athletic reports the winger is not available for transfer and PSG value him considerably higher than the £116m City invested in Anderson. The 23-year-old’s goalscoring exploits for France would also have increased his market value.
While his speed and skill would benefit Arsenal greatly, Barcola at £116m would not deliver the level of improvement on Martinelli they desire. That, combined with Liverpool’s firm interest in the player, indicates a deal is unlikely.
However, one potential twist could be Barcola’s continued hesitancy to commit to new terms, which might force PSG into reducing their asking price.
View 5 ImagesArsenal have already expressed their interest in Bruno Guimaraes (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Arsenal had an informal bid of £45m for Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle last week. However, that offer was merely intended to gauge the Magpies’ position.
Guimaraes has been on Arteta’s radar since the Spaniard took the reins in 2020. Meanwhile, The Athletic FC podcast reports that Guimaraes is viewed internally at Arsenal as a stronger fit than Sandro Tonali, previously linked with the Gunners, to partner Declan Rice in the engine room.
Tonali is set to complete a move to Tottenham in a deal totalling £100m, while Guimaraes is thought to be attainable for a more reasonable £65m. At that price, the 28-year-old represents both a realistic and high-quality acquisition. The primary concern surrounds his age profile and future resale value.
A younger option to Guimaraes is Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. Tonali and Anderson’s recent transfers have driven up the asking prices of other Premier League midfielders, with the Cherries reportedly now valuing their 22-year-old starlet at £80m.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal recently made contact with Bournemouth regarding the player. They were informed he would be difficult to get as the Cherries don’t need money and are offering Scott a new contract, with the possibility of including a release clause.
The Athletic FC podcast claims Arsenal are genuine admirers of the midfielder and suggested other leading clubs are also interested in securing his signature. Scott would represent a costly and difficult deal, but one with plenty of upside.
View 5 ImagesChristos Tzolis is a great squad option(Image: Peter De Voecht / Photonews via Getty Images)
A less familiar name linked with Arsenal is Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis. The BBC reports that the Gunners have been offered Tzolis, who would serve as an ideal squad addition similar to Trossard, should the Belgian be offloaded.
It’s claimed that the potential signing of the Greece international wouldn’t influence whether Arsenal chase a deal for Rogers or an alternative option later in the summer.
The Greece international may be obtainable for around £35m – which would mark a record fee collected for a Belgian Pro League player. Tzolis, 24, is believed to be keen to join Arsenal’s squad, providing them with an additional edge as they aim to complete his transfer.
football.london reports Arsenal have contacted Kerim Alajbegovic’s representatives to explore a potential move to north London this summer.
Alajbegovic, who turns 19 in September, netted 13 goals for Red Bull Salzburg last season before he returned to Leverkusen via a £7m buy-back clause. The highly-rated winger penned a five-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen but his future remains unclear as clubs weigh up approaches.
Arsenal should not spend heavily on the teenager, given he still lacks top level experience. Transfermarkt value him at £18m. Should they prioritise the winger, the Gunners could use their good relationship with Leverkusen to their advantage by securing him on the cheap.
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