Two Arsenal transfer targets could make a summer switch early after World Cup exits
The World Cup has reached the knockout phases with the expanded tournament entering the last-32 matches. Canada have just progressed, eliminating South Africa, while clubs such as Arsenal continue to watch on with great interest.
All 15 of the players that Arsenal have at the tournament have made it through. Some came very close to not making it, including Piero Hincapie and Ecuador, who relied on a wildly unlikely and dramatic win over Germany to progress.
South Africa became the sixteenth team to be eliminated from the competition. IR Iran, South Korea, Scotland and Uruguay went out as the four worst third-placed teams.
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While Czechia, Qatar, Haiti, Turkey, Curacao, Tunisia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Panama all finished bottom of their respective groups. Arsenal will now see all their World Cup-participating players delayed in returning to the club until at least late July, instead of the middle of the month, when non-participants are expected back.
However, potential transfer targets from nations that have now been eliminated will return sooner and could therefore become part of the club’s pre-season plans. Players, under Premier League rules, are entitled to a minimum of three weeks off before returning to action.
Turkey’s Kenan Yildiz is one player who has been linked to the Gunners. The left-winger didn’t have the best tournament, but neither, realistically, did any of his Turkish teammates.
Uruguay’s Maxi Aruajo is a player who has impressed Arsenal, football.london understands, along with many of Europe’s elite clubs. The left wing back could be an option for Mikel Arteta after Nathaniel Brown, another left back option, has reportedly agreed terms with Bayern Munich.
Both players will now have a break before returning to Juventus and Sporting CP, respectively, but a transfer move for either player could happen if allowed. And if it were by Arsenal, both could be available for the Gunners’ first pre-season game on August 1 in Girona.
