Arteta could strike gold with Arsenal swoops for £85m striker and Euro 2024 rising star

Attacking duo Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson could join Smith Rowe in pure profit sales. Nelson has always been a fringe player at Arsenal; however, Nketiah has enjoyed long stints in the team. The arrivals of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz over the last two summers has disrupted both his playing time and development. With a centre-forward on Arteta's summer wishlist, Nketiah's chances at Arsenal are fading by the minute, making a sale wise for both parties.

Eddie Nketiah's 2023-24 Statistics

Appearances

37

Goals

6

Assists

3

Progressive Carries Per 90 Minutes

1.91

Touches in Attacking Penalty Box Per 90 Minutes

6.70

Arsenal sporting director Edu and boss Mikel Arteta

Related

Arsenal ‘Want’ Forward as Arteta Looks to Strengthen Squad

Signings

Ferdi Kadioglu, Xavi Simons, Pedro Neto, Viktor Gyokeres

Netherlands' Xavi Simons reacts after scoring a goal that was later disallowed

With Zinchenko theoretically following Cedric Soares out of the exit door, holes in Arsenal's defence on both flanks need plugging. The Sun reported that Arsenal had submitted a £17 million bid for Fenerbahçe's Ferdi Kadioglu. The Turkish full-back, comfortable at both left and right back, has shone for his nation at Euro 2024. Despite the Super Lig and Premier League contrasting in quality, Kadioglu edges Zinchenko in attacking and defensive stats. Arsenal usually recruit young players and, with the Turk being three years younger than the Ukrainian, it makes the move slightly more probable.

Zinchenko vs Kadioglu: 2023/24 League Statistics

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Ferdi Kadioglu

Appearances

27

37

Interceptions per 90

0.7

0.9

Tackles per 90

1.9

2

Ground duels won per 90

2.4 (60%)

5.2 (61.7%)

Crosses per 90

0.2 (16.7%)

0.6 (35.3%)

Big Chances Created

5

10

From one Euro 2024 star to another, Dutchman Xavi Simons would be seen as a definite upgrade to Smith Rowe. The 21-year-old has been dubbed a

wonder kid since his promising days at Barcelona's La Masia. Though a move would be ambitious, the skillful and versatile player is said to be keen on another loan move, so Arsenal may dive into the loan market as they did initially for their skipper, Martin Odegaard. His world-class potential and oozing confidence may add the little bit of extra quality Arsenal need to win the title.

The sale of academy-graduate Nelson would leave little back-up for star man Saka, so an option in the same position would be ideal. One player the Gunners have been linked to is Wolverhampton Wanderers winger, Pedro Neto, who, despite an injury hit 2023-24, impressed with two goals and nine assists. With Neto being left-footed, possessing a remarkable turn of pace and dribbling ability, his strengths mirror Saka's as well as offering competition on the left wing.

Finally there is the striker position. If Nketiah were to leave Arsenal, a spot would open up in the frontline. One name that has been linked to the title challengers is Viktor Gyokeres. The Sporting Lisbon striker scored 43 goals in 50 appearances last season, proving his clinical ability. With strength, speed, and power being huge aspects of Swede's game, he would be a valuable addition to Arteta's armoury.