Arsenal braced for Deadline Day FLURRY as first transfer CONFIRMED
Tom Weber
- 1 Sept 2023 10:54 BST
- 4 min read
Deadline Day won't pass Arsenal by quietly.
The Gunners moved quickly to get the lion's share of their summer business done in the early weeks of the window, splashing the cash on Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice. Wantaway Brentford goalkeeper David Raya joined that contingent later on in a loan deal, but since then, things have been relatively quiet on the incoming front.
There were rumours of Arsenal perhaps dipping into the market to sign a replacement for Timber after he suffered an ACL injury, and while they may yet still bring a defender in, it won't be a major, 11th-hour panic buy. In terms of outgoings, however, it is a different story altogether.
Both Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have spoken of the need to trim down their squad, with the former calling the size of the roster 'unsustainable,' while the latter recently talked of 'balancing' the squad.
The likes of Folarin Balogun and Kieran Tierney already departed in recent days and more exits are expected for Deadline Day.
✅ DONE DEALS ✅
Every confirmed transfer around Europe on Transfer Deadline Day 📝— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) September 1, 2023
Tavares, Pepe and co
Nuno Tavares has now also left the Emirates, signing for Nottingham Forest on loan after all. Not long ago, the deal appeared to be off with Tavares assessing different options, but the East Midlands club got their man in the end. They also have an option to buy the Portuguese left-back next summer.
Erstwhile Gunners record signing Nicolas Pepe may also be on his way out. The Frenchman, who has struggled to live up to his hefty price tag, had interest from Besiktas earlier in the window and is now being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and the Bundesliga.
Forgotten full-back Cedric Soares could also depart. The former Southampton man isn't getting much of a look in and will likely leave, with Spanish clubs and Portugal's three giants interested in him.
DEADLINE DAY: Every confirmed transfer around Europe
Arsenal have been in talks with Mallorca for the potential transfer of Rob Holding, but there has not been a lot of movement on that front. Similarly, Gabriel Magalhaes has been linked with a move to Al-Ittihad as he's lost his starting spot, but he won't leave this late in the window.
Finally, Albert Sambi Lokonga could leave on loan or permanently with Galatasaray, Fulham, Monaco and Burnley keen on the former Anderlecht man.
