Arsenal news and transfers recap – Bukayo Saka contract; Arsenal’s interest in PSV star, Cody Gakpo; Arsenal’s Saliba ‘dilemma’
Bukayo Saka contract
Arsenal news and transfers recap : Bukayo Saka’s future at Arsenal has been a major topic throughout the summer transfer window.
The Gunners ramped up their attempts to tie Saka down to a new long-term contract, while on the other hand, Manchester City remained interested in the England international. The Hale End academy graduate was honored with the north London club’s player of the year award and established himself on Mikel Arteta’s team sheet.
He managed to score 11 goals and offered a further seven assists in the Premier League the previous season. Manchester City was said to have identified him as a potential replacement for Raheem Sterling, who went on to join Chelsea.
Still, it was claimed that the 20-year-old was set to commit to a new deal at the Emirates Stadium – a major boost to Arteta who was keen to get his side back into the UEFA Champions League. The Spaniard signed four first-team players with technical director Edu who spent more than £40million to bolster their squad.
Arsenal’s interest in PSV star, Cody Gakpo
Mikel Arteta was keen on adding another winger to his squad.
Gakpo emerged as a target for Arsenal after they missed out on Leeds ace Raphinha to Barcelona.
Gakpo was hugely admired by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta after a stellar 2021/22 campaign that displayed him netting 21 goals and providing a further 15 assists in 47 outings.
Gakpo, at the age of 23, had scored 42 goals in 135 games for PSV and had become a regular for Holland under Louis van Gaal.
The versatile attacker was seen keen to be in a Premier League, where several compatriots including Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool ply their trade.
Arteta had acquired forwards Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira to his side so far.
But Arteta hoped to make a third attacking signing in Raphinha, who ended up signing a contract with Barcelona despite an offer from Chelsea.
Gakpo was considered the man to salvage Arteta’s hopes for the transfer window.
Arsenal’s Saliba ‘dilemma’
Borussia Dortmund granted Edu the opportunity to bolster the backline of Arsenal ahead of the upcoming transfer window. But, with William Saliba’s return to the Emirates Stadium after a successful loan spell at Marseille, Mikel Arteta had received a dilemma on his hands.
Champions League was the only focus for Mikel Arteta – but the Arsenal boss faced a tough decision over one of the brightest stars of the club.