Arsenal are expected to spend big this summer but could be tempted by some attractive cut-price deals
With the new Premier League season edging ever closer, Arsenal’s summer transfer plans are beginning to gather pace.
Mikel Arteta has reportedly been handed a transfer war chest of £250million as the Gunners look to defend their Premier League crown and go one step further in the Champions League. But not every addition has to come with a hefty price tag.
A host of high-profile players officially became free agents this week after their contracts expired, giving Arsenal the opportunity to strengthen key areas of the squad without paying a transfer fee. Here’s a closer look at five free agents who could complement Arteta’s system without costing the club a penny.
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Leon Goretzka
Central midfield remains one of Arsenal’s top priorities this summer, with enquiries already made for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes and Lille’s 18-year-old sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi. But for a far cheaper option, the Gunners could instead turn to an old target.
Leon Goretzka has regularly been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent years, with the German admired for his experience, physicality and winning pedigree. The 31-year-old left Bayern Munich at the end of last season and has admitted he would welcome the chance to play football outside of Germany for the first time in his career.
“Maybe it’s my last chance to go abroad,” he said. “I really want to play truly competitive football again. We’ll see what opportunities come up. I’m completely relaxed about it. I’ll just let it all happen.”
That leaves the door ajar for Arsenal to pounce and finally secure their man.
Dusan Vlahovic
Another long-term Arsenal target available on a free this summer is Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic. The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move to north London in 2022 while playing for Fiorentina, before ultimately joining Juventus in a deal worth £66.6m.
He went on to score 68 goals in all competitions for the Italian giants before leaving at the end of his contract after the club said they were unable to justify his lofty salary. Arsenal have greater financial firepower and could view Vlahovic as an ideal deputy to Viktor Gyokeres, who led the line last season.
Such a move would also give the Gunners the chance to cash in on Gabriel Jesus and potentially Gabriel Martinelli.
John Stones
Arsenal have already strengthened at centre-back this summer after making Piero Hincapie’s loan deal from Bayer Leverkusen permanent for a £34.5m fee. But the opportunity to sign a six-time Premier League winner in the form of John Stones on a free may prove too tempting to ignore.
The 32-year-old bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City at the end of last season and could provide experienced cover to first-choice pairing Gabriel and William Saliba. Everton have also been linked with a reunion, although Stones is expected to decide his future after England’s World Cup campaign.
Julian Brandt
Versatile German playmaker Julian Brandt is available after bringing the curtain down on an eight-year spell with Borussia Dortmund. At 30, Brandt still has plenty to offer and could provide valuable depth across several attacking positions, whether in the No.10 role or out wide.
He would also give Arsenal another creative option capable of unlocking stubborn low-block defences from the bench. Leeds United and Real Betis are also understood to be interested.
Jadon Sancho
Arsenal have been strongly linked with a marquee signing at left-wing, with the likes of Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola reportedly under consideration. But if those deals prove too expensive, the free-agent market could provide an intriguing alternative in the form of Jadon Sancho.
The England international has endured a turbulent few years since joining Manchester United and has struggled to fully recapture his form during loan spells with Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa.
But Arteta has a top track record of rehabilitating the form of technically-gifted players, such as Kai Havertz, and therefore could do worse than taking a chance on the 26-year-old.
A rejuvenated Sancho could just well be the man Arsenal fans are looking for to take the left flank by storm.
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