The Premier League season may not be over, but that doesn't mean that things aren't already underway in the transfer market. Arsenal have had a very successful last few windows.
In the space of just two seasons Edu has been able to create Mikel Arteta a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League. This has been done through the scouting of some hidden gems like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Aaron Ramsdale, the signing of better known stars like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, and the additions of more experience like Jorginho and Leandro Trossard.
Now though they face the challenge of creating a group capable of challenging both domestically and in the Champions League for the first time in five years. Edu has already revealed that plans are underway.
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"It's already started because you know what's happening in the market, everybody is doing stuff," he told football.london earlier this year. "You have to plan with people as well just to be prepared so when you go again in the summer you are very prepared.
"I always make myself comfortable going into the transfer window when we've prepared how to face those challenges. In the Premier League there's a lot of clubs and a lot of good managers so the competition is hard. So, as soon as you prepare well, you feel comfortable.
"We went into the winter period really, really well prepared and then we started to make some quick and important decisions. So far it's helping the team and the team's performing well so that's good."
The Brazilian is already close to agreeing a slew of contract extensions that will see Arsenal hold on to some of their brightest talents. football.london understands that deals for Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka are close to completion, while there is confidence that fresh terms can be settled to keep William Saliba at the club.
On top of that, Arsenal would like to supplement that with additions to the squad. Central midfield is an area they are understood to be targeting, with Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo on the list of targets. The Gunners would also like to add a centre back capable of competing with Saliba.
Marc Guehi is Crystal Palace is a player they are interested in for that role, although it's understood that there is competition from Tottenham for the England international. Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba is another player who has been looked at. The Burkinabe defender's teammate Moussa Diaby has also been linked as Arteta seeks to add another forward to the ranks.
The amount of deals Arsenal are able to get done could also depend on the players who end up leaving the club. football.london understands that Hale Enders Charlie Patino and Folarin Balogun could leave the club permanently this season after loan spells at Blackpool and Stade de Reims respectively. Fellow loanees Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Cedric, Nicolas Pepe and Runar Alex Runarsson could also depart the club.
Among the current squad at Arteta's disposal, Kieran Tierney is reported to have attracted interest from Newcastle after losing his starting place to Zinchenko. Reiss Nelson could also leave with his contract set to expire in the summer as things stand.
