Arsenal's summer transfer business

Arsenal's summer has started reasonably brightly, with the early signings of youngster's Albert Sambi Lokonga and left-back Nuno Tavares. Tavares looks a promising backup to Kiernan Tiernay, but it's probably too early to say if Lokonga will be a first team starter, or will need a settling in period. According to Arteta, "Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances during his development. He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht. I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons". So could Albert be a transfer jackpot for Arsenal? If he needs no adjustment period it could be. Talking of jackpots, if you like football-themed casino games, try this website. But now lets run though the teams positions.

Goalkeepers

It's been reported that Arsenal are after a goalkeeper to provide competition for Bernd Leno. Runarsson came in last season, as a replacement for Emiliano Martinez, but hasn't made the mark. Mat Ryan was bought in on loan, but has since departed, so it's a foregone conclusion that at least one goalie will arrive. Aaron Ramsdale is the most reported target currently, but will cost north of £30m, which may be better spent elsewhere or on a cheaper goalkeeper option, if it's backup to Leno.

Defence

It's been widely reported that Ben White is set to join Arsenal from Brighton. With a fee of £50million being touted, you would assume he would come straight into the starting XI. This has meant that William Saliba has moved on loan to Marseille for the season. Many Arsenal are a little bewildered by this, as this will be his third season out on loan, after arriving at Arsenal in 2019 at the price of £27million. When he comes back next season, he'll have just 2 years left of his contract, at which point it's likely a sale will occur.

Also on the move may be Hector Bellerin, Arsenal's current longest serving player. It's probably fair to say that Bellerin wasnt at his best last season, injuries having played their part, yet he is only 26 years old. Bellerin's agent is reportedly in talks with clubs in Italy and Spain about a potential transfer, with Inter Milan emerging as the frontrunners to sign him. If Bellerin was to leave, this opens a space at right back, which would currently be covered by Calum Chambers, Cedric Soares or Maitland-Niles. Yet Maitland-Niles favoured position is thought to be midfield, and there are plenty of rumours that Ainsley could move on.

Midfield

There has been plenty of chat about Granit Xhaka. Roma have been in pursuit of Xhaka all summer, with new boss Mourinho making the Switzerland captain his top transfer target. As mentioned Albert Sambi Lokonga has come in and could replace Xhaka, but it might be wise to have a more experienced option as well. One such option may be Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who has been linked with a move to the Emirates even before the transfer window opened.

Another midfielder that has been reported is Manuel Locatelli, who caught Arsenal's eye during the European Championship. Arsenal lodged an 'official bid' according to the Sassuolo chief executive. However, Juventus are admirers as well, and as they can offer European football, may be a better choice for Locatelli.

Forwards

Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are entering the final 12 months of their contracts, and there are no reports of contract talks between them and Arsenal. Arsenal will therefore listen to offers this summer for the pair. Odsonne Edouard, could be one option as he has made it clear that he wants a move away from Celtic this summer, with the Premier League his desired destination. Edouard is entering the final year of his contract so any fee would reflect that, although Brighton are reportedly keen as well.