The three Saudi Arabia deals Arsenal can work on as Edu plans Mikel Arteta dream summer squad

Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar recently made a trip to Saudi Arabia with his assistant Jason Ayto ahead of the summer transfer window opening. According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, the purpose behind the trip was to conduct something of a ‘meet-and-greet’ with relevant Saudi Pro League personnel.

The Pro League has become something of a growing force in the sport and in the past couple of years has made major investments in some of Europe’s top talents to help grow the profile of the league. Ahead of the 2034 World Cup which will be hosted in the nation in a decade’s time, the sport continues to grow across the country.

Therefore, Arsenal familiarising themselves with important figureheads in the country makes plenty of sense. Clubs have found ways to make significant financial gains by selling surplus talent to the nation and perhaps there are some players which Edu may consider selling to Saudi Arabia in the summer as football.london suggests three potential profiles.

Gabriel Jesus

Recent reports suggest that Arsenal are open to selling Gabriel Jesus as their own search to upgrade the forward options for Mikel Arteta takes on a new incentive this summer. Arsenal might have seen success with Kai Havertz but there remains a need to improve on the depth both centrally and in the wide areas.

Therefore there is potential for Jesus to fit the right type of player they tend to move for. At an age (27) which represents a good return on investment but scope to increase the player’s wage significantly to tempt them into the switch. While at the same time offering Arsenal a good transfer fee to outcompete other potential suitors.

Thomas Partey

Meanwhile, Thomas Partey is a player who has already received interest from the region as Arsenal were resistant to offers for the Ghanaian in 2023. However, a year on and the situation may have indeed changed as Jorginho has stepped up whilst Partey’s injuries have seen him miss more games in a campaign than ever before.

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A year remains on the 30-year-old’s contract and therefore the summer represents the last chance to make much, if any, money on the sale. However, his performances against Chelsea and Tottenham have led to many calls for the Gunners to hold onto him for one more season in the hope he can indeed stay fit.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s days at Arsenal do appear to be somewhat limited. Jurrien Timber’s arrival and eventual return to fitness looms with both Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu being preferred at left-back throughout the campaign to the Ukrainian by Mikel Arteta.

An offer could entice the player and Arsenal into a sale. That said, a move to another European club is the far more likely outcome for the defender.