Mikel Arteta and Edu have been told the marquee transfer they will complete this summer. Over the last few trading periods, the Gunners have recruited superbly with Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya all making a clear impact after being signed ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Plans for the upcoming summer window could depend on Arsenal’s success in the final few months of the season with the Premier League title and Champions League in sight. However, Edu, as sporting director, will have undoubtedly already began pulling together lists of targets.
“I understand why the fans are asking for [a No.9] but we already have our targets planned,” he told TNT Sport back in February. “We know what we’re going to face, and I’d be worried if we weren’t scoring goals or creating chances but we are doing that right now. The plan is to try and get better every year, we’re at a good moment right now and so it’s about improving step-by-step.”
Signing a striker appeared a clear priority when Arsenal’s goal-scoring issues were exposed back in January. However, since the 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Liverpool, the Gunners have scored 38 Premier League goals with Kai Havertz thriving in the central striker role.
Adding depth in midfield and defence now seems more likely with Martin Zubimendi, Ousmane Diomande and Jorrel Hato all being linked with an Emirates Stadium switch. Three of Arsenal’s four summer signings were bought from other Premier League sides and that could certainly happen again with Newcastle the selling club this time.
The Magpies are treading dangerously close to breaking profit and sustainability rules and therefore may need to sell a star player in order to meet the requirements. Alexander Isak is one player being linked to an exit with Arsenal as one of the interested parties, however Jamie O’Hara is of the belief it will be Bruno Guimaraes that leaves Tyneside for north London.
On talkSPORT, in a conversation about Newcastle, via HITC, he said: “Bruno [Guimaraes] will go to Arsenal as well, just letting you know. You have to regroup next season. You will stay up.” The Brazil international signed a new contract at Newcastle just six months ago but may be forced to leave.
Earlier this month, Eddie Howe was asked about the future of Guimaraes with his answer a telling one. “Let me tell you players like Bruno, they are not around every corner,” he admitted. “They are very rare. Bruno should be appreciated for everything he brings. My intention would be to keep Bruno at the club for as long as we possibly can.
“I can never make guarantees though. That would be absolutely foolish of me. We have been in football long enough to know you don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. He is an integral part of the team and playing very well.
“If a player can double his wages you are already in a difficult position. You have created that scenario and I am giving you the truth and the reality.
“Who knows what the future holds. But for our part in it we have to try to make the player at home, and happy, develop them, develop their careers, their talents and hopefully that is enough to keep them here for a long time.”
