The proposal of putting together the dream Arsenal transfer window is always going to be several things. Subjective, considering this will be based on personal opinion. Realistic, but only within what someone considers feasible. Lastly, it will almost always be wrong in the mind of someone and the potential end result of the real-life window.
Therefore, when constructing what I would consider being the best possible summer transfer window for Arsenal, the likelihood of it matching the wider view and that of Mikel Arteta’s is probably quite small. That said, the suggestions will be taking into account prior links to the club and what is expected of the potential spend.
Arsenal are looking to spend big, football.london understands that the owners are prepared to back Arteta. Unsurprising considering what has been spent already and the new contract handed to the Spaniard before the end of the season.
READ MORE: Arsenal can complete 7 summer transfers under Premier League ruling after Mikel Arteta clearout
It is best to start with a number of singings and their roles. Arsenal have needs in several areas but in my mind striker and central midfield are the most pressing, followed by a versatile full-back, a wide forward and lastly a goalkeeper.
The latter however is already sorted. Bernd Leno is expected to depart and Arsenal moved quickly to reach an agreement with New England Revolution’s Matt Turner.
With that, including Turner, the perfect window for Arsenal should reach a total of seven signings. Two strikers, two central midfielders, a wide forward, a versatile full-back and Turner the goalkeeper.
Starting from the back, the versatile full-back option is simple. football.london understands that Arsenal are looking at Scottish international Aaron Hickey. The deal may not be as close as the Italian outlets may suggest but it appears a very possible deal.
At 19 years of age and with a price tag below the £20 million mark, Hickey would be a great option with his ability to play on either side. Backing up both Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu whilst pushing Nuno Tavares and Cedric Soares for the position.
Into midfield and despite this being an area with three experienced players in Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey, there is an opportunity to add more quality to cope with the rigorous schedule. Reports suggest that Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan could leave this summer.
The German international has just one year left on his deal and having worked with Mikel Arteta, the pair know all about one another. If gettable for a reasonable price, Gundogan could add so much knowhow to the team and become a valuable asset for the central midfield position.
Moving onto the more marquee player for the role. At a reported £25 million, Youri Tielemans would be a brilliant and relatively low-risk option for Arsenal at that price.
The Belgian international has plenty of Premier League experience, and leadership qualities and has the potential to be a long-term upgrade on the existing options available to Mikel Arteta. A no-brainer at such a low figure.
Moving to the striker position, Gabriel Jesus remains Arsenal’s priority player this summer and I agree. The Brazilian knows the league and Arteta well, has become an accomplished elite goalscorer and is versatile enough to compete on multiple fronts.
His price continues to fluctuate with every new report, however, with one year left and being keen to move on, he should be gettable for a reasonable figure. This would be a statement move by Arsenal and one I welcome.
Secondly, in my mind, the other striker needs to be of a contrasting style. With the diminutive and technical Jesus in, Arsenal would need some aerial presence.
The Gunners do not need to look further than Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick. Second only to Robert Lewandowski in the Bundesliga goalscoring charts, the Czech Republic international adds threat, power and presence to the Arsenal number nine role. The trickiest to dislodge from their current club and a serious fee would be required but most certainly would be worth it.
Lastly is the wide forward role. With Nicolas Pepe more than likely departing and a new competition to play in, having another wide option to rotate, compete and potential cover in central areas at times will be necessary.
It is evident Arsenal are looking at this position considering the players linked and the perfect move would be for an established candidate. The pace, power, creativity and goalscoring prowess of Cody Gakpo makes the Dutch international the best option.
Over 30 goal contributions this season playing in a wide role, his powerful frame would bring something completely new to the team. PSV want a serious figure in the £30m-£40m range but he'd be a worthy investment.
With all these players in mind, it should be obvious that a perfect window does not come cheap. Succeeding in moves for Turner, Hickey, Gundogan, Tielemans, Jesus, Schick and Gakpo would cost an eye-watering amount. But we are talking about perfection here.
The reality is sure to be different. However, if Arsenal have the ambition to push again for the biggest trophies, perfection might be the requirement needed to achieve it.
