There are only two league games left and the focus is already moving to the future. Although the title seems out of reach, Arsenal are not letting up. The tension of closing the campaign in good form goes hand in hand with plans to strengthen for next season. With Newcastle breathing down their necks, the margin is minimal. But in north London they are already thinking beyond May. Names are being bandied about, departures are being analysed, and the club is moving decisively. This final stretch of the Premier League comes with the aroma of early pre-season.
In that sense, the most recent information confirms what was already intuited: the Gunners are preparing for a busy summer in terms of transfers. The board do not want to repeat the mistakes of the second half of this year, where the lack of replacements hit hard.
A new striker, a priority for months, is on the horizon. Zubimendi, a key player in Real Sociedad’s midfield, is all set to wear the red shirt. They are also looking for a left winger, but a goalkeeper is not off the radar. Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is a highly rated and closely watched player. Meanwhile, Newcastle and Arsenal meet this weekend with more than just points at stake: Alexander Isak’s future could hang in the balance.
Arsenal decided on the world class target, as his current team’s manager is frustrated with the Gunners’ links
What is striking is not just the aggressiveness with which Arsenal have gone into the market, but the clarity with which they have defined their shortcomings. Arteta has been through a course of rough learnings, not least because of the absences of Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. This left the team without teeth in key matches.
The reaction seems to come in time. If they close the signing of the striker the coach has been asking for a year ago, and if they manage to finalise Zubimendi, they will take a firm step towards a more balanced squad. The interest in Joan García also suggests that they no longer want patches, but real competition in every position. Raya has performed, but has not been completely convincing. Pressure always helps. And a new goalkeeper can raise the level without drama.
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But the Isak case adds a different layer. Newcastle don’t want to let him go. Howe has put it bluntly: rumours make him uncomfortable. Even more so when it comes to a direct rival in the table. This detail gives a special tone to the duel between the two. If Isak has a brilliant game, will it be a showcase for his future manager or a classy farewell?
From Arsenal’s point of view, it makes sense to think about him. He has an eye for goal, moves well and knows the league. But the deal will not be easy or cheap. And that leads to another thought: is it worth putting so much money into one player? Maybe with that money, they can reinforce three areas. Instead of one big gamble, there could be a more distributed strategy. Arsenal need to avoid getting their hopes up with just one player and forget that titles are won in blocks. This summer will be decisive to see if they have learned that lesson.
