Arsenal might be forced to put their transfer plans on hold unless they can shift a couple of their existing stars. The north Londoners have enjoyed a productive summer window, bringing in several players to reinforce key positions. They have spent just shy of £200million on six new signings, including the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi.
There is still plenty of time for Arsenal to make further additions, with the transfer window closing in just under a month. They are said to be chasing Rennes youngster Jeremy Jacquet, who has been turning plenty of heads with his form in France. Arsenal have reportedly been keeping tabs on the 20-year-old for a long time and could firm up their interest over the coming days.
He is near the top of Mikel Arteta‘s target list, according to BBC Sport, and there is said to be a real possibility that a move could transpire before the summer window closes.
However, the Gunners may need to sell a couple of players to make room for Jacquet’s arrival. The report claims that Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior could both leave the Emirates Stadium in the not-too-distant future.
Zinchenko found regular minutes hard to come by last season, making just 15 appearances in the Premier League. He is said to be a target for Fulham, with GiveMeSport reporting that talks have been underway for some time.
Kiwior is also thought to be attracting interest from elsewhere, having performed well towards the end of last season when he stepped in for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes.
It is said that Arsenal‘s pursuit of Jacquet ‘may depend’ on whether they can sell either Zinchenko or Kiwior over the coming weeks. It remains to be seen how things will play out between now and the end of the transfer window.
Arteta has already hinted that more players could arrive at Arsenal, saying at the end of last month: “There’s still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad.
“We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them and I’m very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days.
“It’s like shaking the tree again. Bringing new faces, they bring new excitement, new energy as well. We signed very important players as well. I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to a different level and it’s what we are seeking.”
Arsenal will play Villarreal in a friendly on Wednesday before returning to London to face Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup. They will begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Manchester United next weekend.
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