BREAKING NEWS:”Guardiola is a close friend of mine, but the player has decided to join Arsenal, and I can’t compel him otherwise,” the manager said in response to Manchester City’s massive bid to disrupt the transfer, even though the player has already completed his medical with Arteta’s team.

Mikel Arteta has less than two weeks to finalize Arsenal’s transfer activity before the window closes. This summer, Arsenal have already signed David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori to long-term deals. Last year, significant funds were invested in Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber, focusing on strengthening the midfield and defense. Arteta might now turn his attention to acquiring a new striker, given Eddie Nketiah’s uncertain future and Gabriel Jesus’ injury history.

With three matches remaining before the transfer deadline, Arteta must rely on sporting director Edu to manage the situation. Football.london has examined the potential moves Arsenal should consider before the window closes.

Arsenal have made progress in reducing the first-team squad, but additional decisions are needed. With Calafiori’s arrival, Jakub Kiwior may need to be loaned out or sold. The 24-year-old defender, who joined in January 2023 for £20m, showed promise last season. Arsenal could secure a good return by either selling him or loaning him to a Champions League club.

Kieran Tierney’s sale is also under consideration, though his current injury complicates matters. Ideally, Arsenal would keep Emile Smith Rowe and sell Fabio Vieira, who has struggled since his £34m move from Porto two years ago. Additionally, Arteta may need to prioritize selling Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, and Aaron Ramsdale, despite the potential disappointment in parting with Hale End graduates.

A few years back, Nketiah and Nelson were among the most promising young talents. Now, they’re valuable squad players, but their future at the club remains uncertain. Among the loaned-out players, only Ethan Nwaneri and Charlie Patino should remain, with Patino ideally finding a new club in the Championship.

By the end of August, Arteta aims to have a solid squad, with academy players like Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Tommy Setford contributing in training and cup matches. Arsenal must be ready for last-minute changes, such as a Premier League team pursuing Ramsdale or a Saudi club making a significant offer for Thomas Partey.

It’s reasonable for Arsenal to consider additional deals post-Mikel Merino’s signing. Viktor Gyokeres could be crucial for the Premier League, and Dan Bentley, a home-grown third-choice goalkeeper, would be a valuable addition. These signings, while not top priorities, present feasible opportunities to enhance the squad’s depth.

In summary, a potential 22-man squad for Arsenal this season, excluding Under-21 and Under-18 players, could include: David Raya, Tommy Setford, Dan Bentley (transfer); Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Mikel Merino (transfer), Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira, Kai Havertz; Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres (transfer), Gabriel Jesus.