Arsenal wrapped up their second deal of the summer after Albert Sambi Lokonga completed his switch from Anderlecht on Monday in an £18million deal.
The Belgian follows Nuno Tavares into London, with the Portuguese left-back sealing a £7 million pound move from Benfica earlier this month.
But Arsenal ’s transfer business is unlikely to stop there.
Both manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu recognise the need for further business, and according to Football.London, the club have their eyes set on 11 potential targets across four key positions.
Whilst they won’t be signing as many as that, the club have indicated that they are looking to secure up to three more additions before the end of the transfer window to improve the first team.
Brighton defender Ben White is nearing a £50m switch to Arsenal
(Image: PA)
The most likely addition would appear to be imminent, with a £50million deal for Brighton defender Ben White nudging closer to completion.
The 23-year-old centre half is expected to complete the formalities of the move upon his return from his holiday, which was delayed by England’s journey to the Euro 2020 final.
White’s arrival from the South Coast will see him slot in alongside Gabriel as the Gunners’ first-choice defensive pairing.
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Whilst further additions in defence aren’t considering a priority, Arteta and Edu could be forced into the market for a right back, with Hector Bellerin keen to move on.
Norwich City star Max Aarons and RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams have been linked to Arsenal recently, but with Callum Chambers and Cedric already in the squad, the club could decide to hold fire and focus on other areas.
Arsenal’s main priority after wrapping up the deal for White is to add a creative midfielder ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
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Houssem Aouar of Lyon has been of interest to Arsenal in the past
Football.London reports that the club hold an interest in Leicester City’s James Maddison, but the midfield maestro is likely to be out of the club’s reach financially this summer.
Lyon’s Houssem Aouar is a name that has come up once again after initial links last summer, and the Frenchman’s price tag has reportedly dropped dramatically since Arsenal’s initial pursuit last year.
Martin Odegaard enjoyed a fruitful loan at the Emirates during the second half of last season, and the club have made no secret of their desire to secure a return for the Norwegian captain.
Arsenal would be keen on a reunion with Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard
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Odegaard has returned to Real Madrid for pre-season, but if new boss Carlo Ancelotti fails to give the Norwegian regular gametime, then there’s scope for Arsenal to make their move – if the club are prepared to wait.
An experienced midfielder to play alongside Thomas Partey is another priority, with Lokonga not expected to be a regular next season despite being highly thought of by the Gunners hierarchy.
With Granit Xhaka seemingly on the verge of a move to Roma and uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Joe Willock, it would leave Arsenal short in terms of senior midfielders.
Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Ruben Neves of Wolves have been linked with the club in recent weeks, with both possessing Premier League experience which would be a plus.
Fresh from starring for Italy in the Euros, Manuel Locatelli is another name who has been put forward. But the Sassuolo midfielder is said to favour a move to Juventus rather than a switch to London.
One final area warranting attention in this transfer window is the need for a backup goalkeeper.
The Gunners have been linked with Sheffield United’s England keeper Aaron Ramsdale
(Image: Getty Images)
Bernd Leno will start the season as first choice, but Runar Alex Runarsson is set to depart North London after a calamitous season with the club.
Arsenal would prefer a homegrown player to fill that gap, with Sheffield United ’s Aaron Ramsdale and West Brom ’s Sam Johnstone both linked following their return from the Euros with England.
Both, however, are likely to be in demand – and it remains to be seen if the Gunners will bolster their goalkeeper ranks.
Arsenal’s remaining 11 transfer targets: Ben White, James Maddison, Houssem Aouar, Martin Odegaard, Manuel Locatelli, Yves Bissouma, Ruben Neves, Tyler Adams, Max Aarons, Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone
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