The north Londoners were linked with a host of big names but did not make a single signing, instead choosing to keep the faith in their current crop of players.
Thierry Henry recently urged Arsenal to land a new striker following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka. While their forward line remains in need of improvement, they have already done plenty of groundwork in another problem area for next season.
Jorginho and Thomas Partey have just five months left on their existing deals, meaning the Gunners will likely need to recruit at least one central midfielder in the summer.
A solution could arrive in the form of Martin Zubimendi, with The Athletic reporting that Arsenal remain 'strongly positioned' to sign him in the near future.
Interim sporting director Jason Atyo and director of football operations James King are said to be pressing ahead in talks with Zubimendi, who reportedly turned down a move to Liverpool last summer.
There is an expectation that he will join Arsenal ahead of next season with the Gunners willing to activate his £51million release clause.
Last month, it was claimed that a deal to sign Zubimendi was 'virtually complete'. Mikel Arteta reportedly wanted the midfielder to join immediately, but Real Sociedad insisted on him staying until the end of the campaign.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Arsenal will also be looking to strengthen in other key areas when the market re-opens in June. A new left-back could be high on the agenda, with Kieran Tierney set to join Celtic and Oleksandr Zinchenko having attracted interest in January.
The signing of a striker will be another priority for Arsenal, with Alexander Isak believed to be their preferred target. They reportedly made an attempt to land Ollie Watkins in January but he ultimately decided to stay at Aston Villa.
A move for Isak will be hugely expensive, with Newcastle set to demand at least £150m to sell their prized asset. Arsenal, however, have shown they are not afraid to splash the cash when certain opportunities arise.
Isak has already hinted that he wants to stay at Newcastle, although his resolve could be tested if the Magpies fail to secure Champions League qualification. This could open the door for Arsenal to pounce when the bidding opens later this year.
0 Comments