Arsenal are close to embarking on a title run-in with a chance to win both the Premier League and Champions League. However, there remains plenty of work behind the scenes leading up to the summer transfer window with potential incomings and outgoings on the agenda.
The sales department in particular has been a point of contention for many supporters with Sporting Director Edu Gaspar at the centre of that scrutiny. The Brazilian is under pressure to secure some major sales in 2024 in order to give the best opportunity to have financial freedom to land some top talents regardless of their ever-increasing price tags whilst toeing the line of Profit and Sustainability Regulations.
With that in mind, football.london is taking a look at some of the deals that whilst there may be some keenness to get done, there is a danger that Arsenal could end up regretting in the future. From potential stars to players in limbo, whilst the club have an incentive to sell they still need to make the right choices.
Aaron Ramsdale
Since the arrival of David Raya and the subsequent integration of the Spaniard into the first team, Aaron Ramsdale’s future has always been uncertain. He has been a top professional behind the scenes, showing full commitment in training and not moaning about his circumstances.
Despite that, he will be more than entitled to look for a summer exit to ensure greater game time, especially with an England career to consider. There have been a number of clubs said to have an interest in Ramsdale including London rivals Chelsea.
The Blues have failed to establish a clear number one despite deals for Eduard Mendy, Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez all being done. Ramsdale could indeed finally give them that guaranteed and standout number one for the long term too.
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Arsenal would certainly expect a considerable bid for Ramsdale from Chelsea considering he’s a rival. Could they however regret allowing a player of Ramsdale’s quality to leave for a rival with title ambitions?
Emile Smith Rowe
Arguably the most painful potential summer exit is Emile Smith Rowe. The academy graduate burst onto the scene in Mikel Arteta’s first full season and established himself in the subsequent campaign as the Gunners narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification.
However, a combination of Gabriel Martinelli’s form and persistent injuries has since scuppered hopes of regular football for Smith Rowe. The signings of Leandro Trossard and Fabio Vieira and the renewal and improvement of Reiss Nelson only worsened the situation for Smith Rowe and he sits far down the pecking order.
A sale looks almost inevitable with Newcastle United and Aston Villa having been linked with a move for the England international. Having seen the talent Smith Rowe does have, the idea of it being unlocked and used regularly at either of the two clubs could incur some regret from Arsenal should he go on and flourish.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
A forgotten man by many Arsenal supporters but those paying attention to Luton Town’s Premier League season will have spotted quite the impressive displays from Albert Sambi Lokonga. The Belgian has been a key figure when fit for Rob Edwards’s side and contributed heavily to a considerable upturn in form over the festive period.
He is set to return to Arsenal in the summer with little known about what his next steps might be. He has spoken about a willingness to return to north London and find his rhythm and place in Arteta’s side.
However, if that does not materialise, Arsenal could look to cash in on what has been a good season. With such impressive form in the world’s top league, it could indeed be a decision they regret if he goes on to great things elsewhere.
Mika Biereth
A player who has gradually grown into the forefront of Arsenal supporters’ views after his loan to Sturm Graz and his goalscoring form has exploded in Austria. Mika Biereth has scored a hatful of goals for his new club in the league, in the cup and in Europe too.
We know that Sturm wanted to include an option to buy in the loan and Biereth was open to this, but the club refused. Either they see a future in London or think they can get a seriously good figure for him in the summer transfer window.
If it is the latter and he goes on to be a top striker on the continent whilst the Gunners are embroiled in a desperate search to find the next best centre-forward… Well, the headlines write themselves.
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