Fabrizio Romano has tweeted three key Arsenal transfer updates. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, in particular, is tipped to sign a new contract while Gabriel Magalhaes will decide his club within the next few days. Also, Arsenal have been asked to pay €50 million for the services of Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey.
Aubameyang’s Contract Extension: What Could It Mean For The Gunners?
Arsenal will be taking a massive step towards rebuilding from a position of strength if they manage to convince Aubameyang to sign a new contract. The feat will be achieved purely due to the success the club has had under the short reign of Mikel Arteta. As the Spaniard looks to truly kickstart his era at Emirates, having someone like Aubameyang is undoubtedly a boost.
However, the ex-Dortmund star prolonging his stay at Arsenal is likely to force the club to make a few drastic decisions to balance their financial structure. Alexandre Lacazette, for one, has been linked with a move away from north London.
The Frenchman’s departure could mean that Aubameyang will now be deployed in the number nine role with Eddie Nketiah being considered as a back-up. Lacazette’s departure should also allow the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson to gain a more prominent role in the side, meaning this could be an overall great deal for the Gunners.
Gabriel Magalhaes’ Acquisition Could Be Important
Arsenal have been pretty fortunate to have players like David Luiz, Rob Holding and Shkodran Mustafi emerge as reliable defensive outlets during the final phase of the 2019/20 campaign. However, Arteta knows better not to rely on these individuals for the long-term.
That is where the Spaniard is expected to make some changes this summer. William Saliba has already returned from his loan spell at St. Etienne while Pablo Mari is set to be back in contention before the start of the season. However, the addition of someone like Gabriel could have added more steel in the Arsenal backline.
The LOSC Lille star was one of Ligue 1’s rising star this past season. The Brazilian’s work-ethic and defensive commitment might make him an ideal upgrade over the likes of Sokratis and Calum Chambers. It will, therefore, be interesting to see what decision Gabriel makes regarding his future.
Arsenal Must Splash The Cash On Thomas Partey
Following a strong finish to the campaign, Arsenal’s biggest weakness heading into the new season is the lack of depth in the midfield unit. Both Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi are unlikely to continue their respective careers at Emirates while Dani Ceballos has returned to Real Madrid, following the end of his loan spell.
It leaves Arteta with Granit Xhaka as the only reliable option in the middle of the park. Thomas Partey, in that regard, would be an ideal acquisition given the player’s defence-oriented style of play.
Indeed, the Atletico Madrid star can offer the solidity in midfield with his imposing frame as well as his aggression. It could ultimately allow more freedom for Xhaka, who is capable of doing much more than just making tackles and vertical passes in the middle. Hence, Arsenal must spend the €50 million to sign Thomas this summer.
