It’s been a long wait, but there are just over 24 hours until Arsenal’s Premier League campaign gets under way. The Gunners kick things off with a home fixture against Wolves before a tough start that sees them face Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City away from home within their first five matches.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
While Mikel Arteta’s focus is on the pitch, away from the Emirates Stadium, Edu has been busy. The Brazilian is looking to secure a deal to bring Mikel Merino into the club, while Eddie Nketiah is closing in on an exit.
With all that going on it felt like a good time for a Q and A with our chief Arsenal correspondent Kaya Kaynak. You can look back at some of the highlights below.
Q: Hey Kaya! The market for attacking players looks short for Arsenal right now. There were some reports yesterday Arsenal made contact over Oshimen to keep being updated on his situation. Will we be able to see some last minute attacker signing this window depending on how situation changes?
KK: Hey thanks for the question! As far as I’m aware those Osimhen rumours are wide of the mark. Arsenal aren’t likely to go for a big money deal like that this summer. They do want to add to the forward line, but like you say it’s not a great market right now. There’s plenty they’re looking at but Nico Williams would be quite expensive, while the £60m fee that Chelsea paid for Pedro Neto was viewed as excessive. There definitely could be a late push for an attacker, but it won’t be a case of a last minute move. Arsenal have been working on a host of deals behind the scenes, it’s just a question of whether they pull the trigger.
Q: Who do you think is more likely to push for a starting role towards end of season, Timber or Calafiori?
KK: Interesting question! I think I’d probably bet on Calafiori right now. Arsenal have brought him in to bring stability and consistency to the left hand side. Timber will take a while to get back to speed after such a long time out, but I still think he’s got a huge role to play this season.
Q: I’ve heard of rumours for Eddie and Rambo, but what about Nelson and Kiwior? Which of the two is most likely to to leave?
KK: I think of Nelson and Kiwior, as it stands at least, Kiwior is probably the most likely to leave. I don’t think Arsenal will force anyone out, but Kiwior has interest from Italy and given that his wages are lower than those of Nelson, an exit should be easier. Nelson’s salary has been an issue in securing exits to a couple of suitors so far, but he certainly has interest from other teams.
Q: Do you think Merino gets done before or after Wolves game?
KK: I’d have to say – and of course things can change quickly – I think it’s unlikely that gets done before the Wolves game. It’s a deal that has rumbled on, but he’s still a player that Arsenal want. There are a few ducks Arsenal must get in a row before proceeding though.
Q: Assuming we sign Mikel Merino, will there be any further signings after that? Will Kieran Tierney go on loan?
KK: You’re not the only one who thinks that re Saka. Decision makers within the club view it less as a Saka back up, but more as someone who can come in and raise the base level of the squad. If the opportunity comes up, Arsenal will be keen to go for it, but we’ll have to wait and see.
As for Tierney, he’s still recovering from his injury that he picked up in the Euros. It looked a nasty one. I think a decision will be made after he’s recovered.
