Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino looks set to arrive at the club sooner rather than later with the final area needing to be strengthened being the attack. There are split opinions on whether another striker is needed or not but should Eddie Nketiah be snapped up by Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth, you would think he would need replacing.
While that area of the pitch is likely to sort itself out between now and August 30, another conundrum might be more difficult to solve. Aaron Ramsdale's dramatic decline from first-choice regular to bench warmer last season took many by surprise.
Despite Arteta previously insisting he had 'two No.1s', what is clear is that David Raya is the favourite and there is little room for Ramsdale at the club. Between now and deadline day, the Gunners will be working hard to sell the England international and bring in a new back-up.
Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia emerged as the new name to be linked with Arsenal this weekend but before he can be signed, Ramsdale needs to be sold. Fortunately, there is a clear path about to emerge for the Gunners to help offload the shot stopper.
Currently, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City are all battling to sign Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. The former West Bromwich Albion man appears to have been displaced by Dean Henderson as the No.1 this season and is now exploring his options.
Logic dictates that only one of these clubs will be able to bring Johnstone to their club but their goalkeeping issues shall remain unresolved. At which point, Arsenal could swoop in and offer out Ramsdale; a goalkeeper who has arguably a better pedigree than Johnstone who would cost just £30m.
It would be a win-win scenario for all involved and help solve an issue that is currently haunting Arteta and Arsenal as the window ticks by.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
0 Comments