Arsenal: First attempt to land midfield talent rejected – Lyon denies player swap deal
Mikel Arteta has communicated the transfer plans to his paymasters.
It seems Arsenal have pushed the reset button in the aftermath of an underwhelming season which saw them finish eighth in the Premier League, only for an FA Cup victory to rescue some pride in what has been an underwhelming spell for the club.
Sensing a vision and direction in Mikel Arteta’s future schemes, Arsenal bosses are eager to back their manager in every way possible. The process has already started with due diligence being paid on a recruitment strategy that has backfired in the past few seasons.
Raul Sanllehi, Arsenal’s former head of football, in a first, has lost his boardroom position after an initial investigation from owner Josh Kroenke alongside sporting director Edu. This decision is understood to be a ruthless decision by the board, who have garnered criticism over recent move to sanction 50 redundancies.
The general consensus remains that the club bosses have to work within their limited resources, which has further amplified after an expensive deal for Nicolas Pepe, who is yet to live up to his £72m price tag. Willian’s move from Chelsea to Arsenal is an indication of the club’s new strategy.
"When you buy big names you are often disappointed" 💰
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 15, 2020
Throwback to Arsene Wenger's first interview as Arsenal manager - with his transfer logic first on the agenda! pic.twitter.com/twVFxCTVQd
Considering the gaping hole between themselves and the Premier League’s top dogs, Arsenal have to make a few more constructive moves to ensure Mikel Arteta’s rebuild continues this summer.
Arteta has identified midfield as the primary area to start his repair job, seeking to execute a fluid and high octane pressing game at the Emirates. Dani Ceballos has caused a few changes to plans with Real Madrid looking likely to not sanction another loan move for the Spaniard.
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Houssem Aouar has emerged as a target for Arsenal, citing the France youth international’s silky, technical abilities, and energetic presence in midfield. The 22-year-old has been of interest to Manchester City, too.
"Arsenal have recently made an approach to sign 22-year-old Lyon attacking midfielder Houssem Aouar. The Gunners offered Mattéo Guendouzi plus money in exchange to sign Aouar, with Mikel Arteta also believed to be a big admirer of the player’s talents.OL said no – they have no interest in a swap deal, not because Guendouzi isn’t a fantastic player, but because they quite simply want money and do not feel that they need to add an additional midfielder, even if Aouar is to depart this summer. (Get French Football News)"
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It is understood that Arsenal have many deals in the pipeline and would focus on the completion of them. Guendouzi, who has been offered to Barcelona in exchange for Philippe Coutinho, could be a major asset for the Gunners.
The Arsenal bosses have also made necessary moves for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who is yet to decide his next challenge amid a host of suitors for his services.