#38 - Transfers hotting up as Arsenal eye several outs and ins
With so much going on in the market, I take the opportunity to review what's going on and what could be coming up.
A bit of a digest of news email this week, as there’s so much going on.
I am putting the finalising touches on a tactical piece about Calafiori, Timber, and Arteta’s chess pieces in defence, so make sure you’re subscribed below to read that next week!
Arsenal close to selling Emile Smith Rowe
Arsenal’s long relationship with Smith Rowe looks set to come to an end in the coming weeks. The club have already turned down a significant bid and Fulham look set to return with an improved number this week. Arsenal are thought to want in excess of £30million to do a deal, and there is expectation from those involved that Smith Rowe will be a Fulham player come August. Find out more about the potential deal on our website.
Arsenal agree deal for Setford and still want Bentley
The club have successfully negotiated an agreement with Ajax to sign promising goalkeeper Tommy Setford.
The two clubs had been engaged in extensive discussions over the summer to finalise a deal that would bring the England Under-20 international to the Emirates Stadium. These talks have culminated in a compromise on a fee, reported to be in the region of £869k plus add-ons, with Setford expected to sign an initial four-year contract.
However, Arsenal’s activity in the goalkeeper market doesn’t stop there. The club is also keen on bolstering their goalkeeping options further by making an improved bid for Wolves’ Dan Bentley. Their initial offer for Bentley was turned down, but Arsenal are prepared to return with a better proposal to secure the experienced shot-stopper according to The Athletic.
The pursuit of both Setford and Bentley indicates a clear strategy from Arsenal to ensure depth and quality in their goalkeeping department having released several youth keepers this summer and Aaron Ramsdale also expected to leave as the club aim to recoup £30million for him.
Marseille make progress on Eddie Nketiah signing
Eddie could be set to follow Balogun to Ligue 1, with Marseille said to be growing in confidence about completing a move.
Arsenal are expected to demand a fee similar to that of Mason Greenwood’s transfer to sanction the sale of Nketiah. Marseille might have to prepare an offer around £25million plus add ons to get the deal done.
Nketiah, a product of Arsenal’s esteemed academy, has had a mixed journey at the club. Now 25, it seems the right time for him to move on and establish himself elsewhere.
As with any sale of Smith Rowe, any funds generated from the sale of Nketiah would count as pure profit from a PSR point of view, enabling Arsenal flexibility in their incoming deals.
Find out more about Marseille’s desire to partner Nketiah with Greenwood.
Two deals already done, with potentially more than £17.5m set to boost the coffers
You’ll already be aware, but Arsenal have officially confirmed the departures of Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares. Both are initial loans, but have the potential to earn Arsenal a decent chunk of money, whilst also freeing up circa £100,000 per week from the wage bill. Find out more about the deals here.