In a summer full of impressive arrivals, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are now reportedly at risk of losing a player of their own in reluctant fashion amid growing interest.
Arsenal still chasing Eze arrival
Even after splashing out to welcome Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera this summer, Arsenal still have unfinished business in the transfer window. Unlike in past seasons, Arteta is seemingly ready to enjoy a much-needed window of upgrades as he looks to end an increasingly concerning run without a major trophy at The Emirates.
The most important addition on that list of incomings remains Gyokeres. Arsenal’s biggest problem in recent seasons has been their inability to find the back of the net. They desperately needed a serial goalscorer last summer, but chose to invest elsewhere in a decision that Liverpool quickly made them regret.
It is not a mistake that they’ve made twice, however. Making up for lost time, the Gunners have welcomed one of the most clinical goalscorers that European football has to offer in Gyokeres.
The big task that sporting director Andrea Berta has now is finding as many reliable supply points as possible for Gyokeres to thrive. Tee the Swede up and he will score the goals that Arsenal have so desperately craved. It could really be as simply as that. And whilst the likes of Bukayo Saka will undoubtedly do just that, the addition of Eberechi Eze could take things to another level.
In a summer-long chase, the Crystal Palace man is still on Arsenal’s radar despite reports that his £68m release clause has now expired. Whether that forces the Gunners to pay an even greater price for his signature is now the big question.
Of course, if that does prove to be the case, then any potential sales of their own could go a long way towards funding any blockbuster move.
Arsenal deliver Kiwior transfer response
One sale that Arteta is not keen to sanction, however, is Jakub Kiwior’s. According to Fabrizio Romano, Kiwior is now considering an exit amid interest in his signature from a number of European clubs.
That said, those in North London have already rejected offers for their centre-back from Portugal last month and Arteta would prefer to keep hold of his defender this month.
Despite being praised for his “impressive” form by analyst Ben Mattinson when asked to step into the side amid defensive woes last season, Arteta’s stance on Kiwior’s exit comes as a slight surprise.
Arsenal have already signed Mosquera and have cover in the form of Riccardo Calafiori and, if needed, Ben White at the heart of their backline. Just where Kiwior fits into the pecking order as a result is difficult to say and the Gunners would be best to cash in whilst they can this summer.
