ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS

Sebastian Zucchet

With the summer transfer window open, it's already looking very exciting, but one fan base that should be very excited is Arsenal. The Gunners have had some dull windows over the past few years but this summer is looking like it’s going to be a beautiful one. We’ll analyze and look at all the completed transfers and linked players.

Marquinhos

On June 10, Arsenal completed their first summer signing as Marquinhos inked a long term contract. Marquinhos is a 19-year old forward who is signing from Sao Paulo in the Brazilian league. He made 33 appearances for Sao Paulo, and also made multiple appearances for Brazil at youth levels. A pacy winger, he bolsters Arsenal’s attack. He isn’t expected to play much this upcoming season but is definitely part of the plans in Arsenal’s bright future.

Fabio Vieira

A transfer that really came out of nowhere, Fabio Vieira, who signed a five-year contract at the Emirates earlier this week. The reports came out of nowhere from a Portuguese journalist named Pedro Sepulveda and sent Arsenal twitter into elation. Vieira had 27 goal contributions for Porto last season as they dominated the league to their 30th title win.

He is expected to play second fiddle to the Partey and Xhaka partnership at the beginning of the season but some good form could see him slot right into a permanent position in an already strong midfield, especially considering Partey’s injury history. It is also worth noting that Vieira was named player of the tournament at the Euro u21 Championship while he led Portugal to the final.

Matt Turner

A transfer that was pretty much completed in January, Arsenal are bringing in USA international goalkeeper Matt Turner from the New England Revolution in the MLS. With Bernd Leno looking very likely to depart, Matt Turner is expected to fill in that backup role, who will definitely get his chance to shine in the upcoming Europa League season, and the cup competitions. Turner played his last MLS game on the weekend and said bye to his home in Boston. It is expected he will complete his medicals at Arsenal and be officially unveiled on Friday.

Lisandro Martinez

There are multiple reports that Arsenal are keen on signing Ajax and Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez. Martinez is a center back and signing him would bolster an already very strong group of center backs for Arsenal that include Gabriel, Ben White, William Saliba, and Rob Holding. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Arsenal approached Ajax with a bid of around 30 million pounds, but it is not enough as Ajax value him at around 45-50 million pounds.

If Arsenal are to get this deal done they must do it quickly as they have competition from rivals like Tottenham and Manchester United who are trying to hijack the move. Martinez is a brilliant ball playing center back who is good with his feet, has pace and is a top defender. No wonder Arsenal are so keen.

Youri Tielemans

Youri Tielemans has been on Arsenal’s radar for quite some time now, and with Youri looking for a move away from Leicester, Arsenal are the favourites to land the Belgian international. Tielemans has been a standout player in the Premier League for a number of years now, so he won’t come cheap. He scored six goals and had four assists this season, but his midfield work is what has Arsenal so interested. He is a box to box midfielder, but shines particularly in higher areas of the pitch.

He can influence a game by optimizing space and possession but is skilled in progressing the ball in passing and dribbling if need be. His versatility and effectiveness are exemplified not by his quality on the ball or physically, but by his intelligence. His awareness and ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations allow him to execute his ideas consistently at a high level. He is technically strong with both feet and has great vision on the pitch and can shoot from range. Approaches from Arsenal have cooled down a little bit due to the North London club focusing on other deals first, but later in the summer you can count on Arsenal showing lots of interest in Tielemans.

Raphina

Arsenal will attempt to hijack Barcelona and sign Raphina from Leeds United. Raphina is one of the most exciting forwards in world football, with offers from Barcelona and Bayern Munich coming in for him. Arsenal have made a surprise entry into the race for his signature, and now lead the race. Although it is reported there are agreed personal terms with Barcelona, Arsenal are in direct contact with Leeds and are pushing to get a deal done within the next few weeks.

The fee is expected to be around 65-75 million pounds. Raphina played a vital role in helping Leeds survive in the Premier League last season, even scoring a penalty in their final day win. He finished the season with eleven goals and three assists in a Leeds team that struggled in every area of the pitch. Raphina makes his presence known with his blistering pace and brilliant footwork. He has even broken into the Brazilian national team and will play a vital role in the upcoming World Cup. If Arsenal can push this deal over the line, Gunners fans can get really excited for what is to come.

Gabriel Jesus

The four time Premier League champion Gabriel Jesus is apparently on the verge of joining Arsenal. With Alexandre Lacazette leaving, Arsenal are in desperate need of a striker, so they turned to Brazil international Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.

Reports have come out that Arsenal are very close to signing him and have made the Brazilian their top priority, as Jesus and his agent are also pushing for a deal. Jesus is a player who has been consistent at the top level for a very long time, and if Arsenal can sign him, the fans will be drooling as they dream of a Brazilian front three of Jesus, Raphina, and Martinelli.

Those are all the confirmed, and most linked players in Arsenal's transfer window saga. It is clear that Arsenal are looking to sign younger players as they have big plans for the future, plans that include many Brazilian links, which is never a bad thing. If all these deals are completed we can definitely see Arsenal putting in a strong challenge for top four, and even have a shot at winning the Europa League.