Arsenal's dream £85m transfer as Mikel Arteta sanctions six exits and wins Riccardo Calafiori battle

With the month of July upon us, Arsenal finally look set to make some big moves in this summer's transfer window. The opening few weeks of the trading period have been rather quiet for the Gunners with the European Championships in Germany dominating the footballing headlines.

Because of that, it was also somewhat difficult to engage in negotiations with any potential transfer targets as most were still in action. However, the season for most players has well and truly ended, and with that, movement in the transfer market is likely to increase.

For Mikel Arteta and Edu, the priority is to sign a new midfielder, despite the links to strengthening in attack and defence. Riccardo Calafiori and Marc Guehi are the two names primarily being linked with a move to Arsenal, though they will certainly face competition for both.

New signings certainly won't be the only thing on the summer agenda with a squad reshuffle very likely which could see several core squad members depart. With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at what could happen before the current window closes on August 30.

Gyokeres signs

Considering Alexander Isak's firm Newcastle transfer stance, he may not be the dream Mikel Arteta signing that many though he would be. Thankfully, there is another option out there potentially even better than Isak and that is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

As they are on the lookout for a lethal finisher, it is unlikely they will find anyone better on the market than Gyokeres. During his first season in Portugal, the 26-year-old managed 43 goals from 50 appearances, which is 18 more than Isak in just an extra 10 games.

The Gunners have already shown an interest in Isak's fellow Sweden international and would also perhaps be able to afford his new asking price. According to reports, his release clause stands at £85million which is within the club's financial realms.

Selling players to raise funds will likely be key to that though with numerous senior stars up for sale at the right price.

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Arteta sanctions exits

With Arteta deep into his project, it is undoubtedly time for more brutal decisions to be made. Players like Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe did an excellent job in helping Arteta set the foundations but both would be better off moving on to new pastures.

Aaron Ramsdale, despite only arriving at the club three seasons ago, is another that the Gunners should part ways with this summer especially considering David Raya's permanent arrival.

Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson could also depart this summer in search of first-team opportunities with both players likely to have a queue of interested suitors. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus are other players being linked to an exit but the latter is certainly better off staying if he can overcome his recent injury problems.

If Arsenal can obtain in the region of £150million from player sales, that would go a long way to sealing some marquee transfer ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Calafiori battle won

With Juventus, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United all chasing his signature, it feels inevitable that Calafiori departs Bologna in the coming weeks. A stellar season for his club was followed up by a number of dominant displays in Italy's defence which has alerted several clubs.

Bologna have seemingly already accepted he will not be their player for much longer with Arsenal now firmly in the discussion to sign him. £40million has been mooted as the asking price but a bidding war could see that increase. However, Edu must do everything he can to convince the left-footed 21-year-old that a move to Emirates Stadium is best for his career.

Midfielder signed to replace Partey

As mentioned above, Partey being sold seems likely and while he did miss much of the recent campaign, a replacement will be needed. Considering the Gunners have been firm in their Partey transfer stance for some time, countless names have been linked.

Topping that list were the likes of Douglas Luiz, Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi, but singing any of those three appears impossible. With that in mind, interest in Amadou Onana, Youssouf Fofana and Mikel Merino has come to light and it's crucial that the player signed allows Declan Rice to continue in an advanced midfield role.

With the latter trio all considered to be holding midfielders, Arteta and Edu bringing any one of the trio in would be a great move.