Arsenal continued their busy summer on Saturday when they announced the signing of Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian’s arrival from Newcastle takes the Gunners’ summer spending above £100million but there could well be further business before the transfer window shuts.
While we now know Vinicius Junior won’t be joining, the forward’s decision to stay at Real Madrid means Arsenal can put their funds to use elsewhere. A number of areas could receive attention and a number of targets have indicated they could be open to a move.
Mikel Arteta’s side face Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup on Sunday before one more friendly against Como in midweek. The Premier League champions may well want to get further business done before the Community Shield against FA Cup winners Manchester City on August 16, having already signed Piero Hincapie permanently and added Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier and latest recruit Guimaraes.
Who else might be on their way to the Emirates Stadium, though? We’ve taken a look at some of those who appear to have opened the door to a change of scenery this summer.
Ezri Konsa – £60m
Konsa got his football education in London before joining current club Aston Villa. Born in East London, he started out with Charlton and also spent a season at Brentford before following manager Dean Smith to Villa Park in 2019.
According to CaughtOffside, the 28-year-old would be open to a move to the Emirates Stadium. However, a reported asking price of £60m could complicate matters.
Arsenal are expected to add reinforcements at the back following the news that William Saliba faces a spell on the sidelines. Konsa could be a good fit, especially given his existing relationships with the Gunners’ England contingent.
£85
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Matias Fernandez-Pardo – £60m
Fernandez Pardo impressed at Lille last season, scoring eight goals and earning a spot in Belgium’s World Cup squad. According to L’Equipe, he has now told the French club he wants a move.
Arsenal aren’t the only side to be linked. Liverpool, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have all been mentioned as potential alternative destinations for a player who could yet become the subject of a bidding war.
However, Lille chief Olivier Letang appears ready to play hardball despite Fernandez-Pardo’s apparent preference, with a reported asking price in the region of £50-60m. “The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue,” Letang said.
There could also be scope for a new central attacking option if Gabriel Jesus ends up leaving this summer. Francesco Pio Esposito is one name mentioned, though the Italy international isn’t expected to leave Inter Milan for less than £73m.
According to The Sun, Arsenal sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old in action when Inter faced neighbours AC Milan during pre-season. Esposito is said to be open to a move to the Premier League, though Inter won’t let him leave on the cheap.
As a result, Arsenal’s biggest challenge could come from Manchester United. The Red Devils are also keen on the Italian and are now able to offer Champions League football once more.
