Arsenal have done some solid business this summer as the Premier League transfer window approaches its deadline day come 30th August 2024. Adding resolute reinforcements like Euros 2024 Winner with Spain; Mikel Merino joining the side, along with Italy’s Ricardo Calafiori.
Arsenal also managed to make a good sale this transfer window for Hale-end graduate and fan favourite Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham. The sale of Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale would be good business, provided they are completed before the transfer window shuts.
Mikel Arteta focused on key areas and players, and he’s done just that. Everything else is a bonus addition.
What Do Fans Want?
It’s a good time to be an Arsenal fan, especially considering how astute Arsenal has been in the transfer market for the last few years. Arsenal have made a handful of additions to the squad so far. But these are quality signings. They will give Arteta more options in the mid-field and defence.
| Ins | Outs | Loan |
| David Raya (Brentford) – Permanent | Emile Smith Rowe – Fulham | Sambi Lokonga – Sevilla |
| Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna) – Permanent | Eddie Nketiah – Crystal Palance (Impending) | Nuno Tavares – Lazio |
| Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad) – Permanent | Aaron Ramsdale – Southhampton (Impending) | Karl Hein – Real Valladolid |
| Mohamed Elneny – Al Jazira | Fabio Vieira – Porto | |
| Cedric Soares – Released | ||
| Arthur Okonkwo – Wrexham |
Most fans on X (formerly Twitter) have their own opinions on what positions need to be filled. The consensus is that an additional striker is needed despite having Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Although having an additional striker does sound appetizing, Mikel Arteta seems happy with his squad.
Another position that requires more depth is the right winger’s increased coverage for Bukayo Saka. At the moment, Reiss Nelson is Saka’s only backup, and if the transfer rumours are to be believed, Nelson might be on his way out if Arsenal finds someone to fill that spot.
Trust the Process
Mikel Arteta has been saying since he first joined Arsenal that he trusts the process, that the Club, which includes him, Edu Gaspar, the staff, and the owners, knows what the club needs and lacks and makes the best decision given the circumstances.
Most fans want the club to succeed, and signing a player seems to be the easiest fix. But fans aren’t the ones who need to consider the different facets of signing a player, things like the player’s future in the club, the budget, the versatility of the player, his compatibility with the rest of the squad, etc.
Arteta and Edu have worked hard over the last few years to rebuild Arsenal from the club it was after Arsene Wenger left. Arsenal was struggling to make the Top four of the Premier League before Arteta joined. Now, the club is synonymous with the world title Contenders, competing with Manchester City for the coveted title two years running.
So, as much as fans want to see the striker and right-winger positions strengthened, Mikel and Edu deserve our trust to know what the club needs most.
Fans need to be patient and, like Arteta says, trust the process. The transfer window closes in a few hours, so we may be surprised.
