Gyokeres agreement, Kimmich bargain and Neto decision – Arsenal’s dream summer transfer window

It is almost certain that when looking in March what Arsenal’s dream summer transfer window might look like now it will be different in a couple of months. Situations change, players emerge and others fade away but nevertheless, it makes it no less fun imagining what might happen.

Arsenal have indeed been linked with a whole host of players leading up to the winter window, during it and after it closed with the build-up now to the summer market. A focus on centre-forward is a particular discussion for most supporters and that has been reflected in the players that the club has been suggested to be keen on.

Several names have emerged from Ivan Toney to Victor Osimhen. Trying to find that transformational figure who will come into the team and take the Gunners to places never thought possible – much like Erling Haaland winning the treble in his first season.

The key name that stands out for me however is Viktor Gyokeres who despite having a massive release clause of €100million (£85million) stands out as Europe’s most in-form striker. After a hat-trick at the weekend, the Sporting CP forward has taken his goal contribution tally to 50.

36 goals and 14 assists combine to take him well beyond any other forward and whilst the likes of Osimhen might have dipped in terms of output to the last season, Gyokeres’ numbers have moved in one direction season on season. At 25 he is a perfect age and already has experience of the physicality of England from his time with Coventry City – sign him up!

Moving into the wide area and Pedro Neto appears to be the main name linked with the club however, he is now out injured potentially until the end of the season and a decision has to be made on whether this is a risk worth taking. For me, it simply isn’t and the money involved in any potential agreement with Wolves furthers this too.

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Hence why I’d be opening a line to PSG in the summer and doing whatever it takes to land Xavi Simons. On loan with RB Leipzig this season, the Dutch international is one of the young stars of his generation and with the ability to play multiple attacking roles, his star is shining beyond most others.

Into midfield and a defensive midfielder is needed. The Martin Zubimendi links might have persisted but I am not yet entirely convinced he is unequivocally the right player to sign. In fact, I am not sure the perfect midfielder to replace Thomas Partey – who should be sold after another injury-hit campaign – exists.

Therefore a short-term move to Joshua Kimmich who with one year on his Bayern Munich deal and is reportedly keen on a move might make a lot of sense. However, only for the right price and any deal above £25million would make me somewhat uncomfortable to commit to.

Into the back line and a defender is certainly needed to take the number of options the Gunners have to seven. For me it needs to be a right-sided option and although Kimmich can cover at right-back in certain situations another central defender would put the minds of most at ease should a crisis hit an area relatively untouched from a starting perspective this season.

At this stage, however, I am thinking out costs and perhaps a player on a free move is the way forward. Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham and Daniele Rugani of Juventus could be two potential options with Reuell Walters from the youth academy a potential starlet worthy of promotion.

Lastly is the goalkeeper position. With Aaron Ramsdale likely to move on this summer after losing his place to David Raya whose loan is expected to be made permanent, a goalkeeper is needed.

Yet this remains a difficult position to find a stopper with good distribution willing to be the number two of the required standard. There are two pathways, either going younger and a player happy to learn from Raya or an older keeper who is happy to make a step up to a competitive club and play in the cup competitions.

There are some keepers whose deals are expiring again in the summer if the club want to be clever. Koen Casteels of Wolfsburg and Keylor Navas of PSG are two experienced options with Patrick Schulte already linked to the club although would require a fee.

Signing a keeper of quality must be a priority with a focus on distribution in case of an injury to Raya. A difficult move, as are all that will consume Edu this summer but there has been plenty of encouragement he is up to the task.