Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suggested that the club may continue to make further signings, despite already spending over £200 million this summer.
The Gunners have made significant investments in their squad to ensure that their title challenge from last season was not just a one-time occurrence.
The club initially secured the services of Kai Havertz from Chelsea in a £65 million deal, with the German international already making his debut in a 1-1 draw against Nurnberg.
Arsenal followed that up with the signing of Jurrien Timber from Ajax for £38 million, and they completed a club-record £105 million deal for West Ham captain Declan Rice, making him the most expensive British player in history.
Havertz, Timber, and Rice have all been included in Arsenal’s 29-man squad for their pre-season tour of the United States.
The team is set to face an MLS All-Star XI in Washington DC before taking on Manchester United in another pre-season friendly in New Jersey.
Despite these significant signings, Arteta has hinted at potential further additions to the squad.
Arteta refuses to rule out further signings
Arsenal have been linked with several other targets including Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby and Arteta has hinted there could be further signings this summer.
“Let’s see. There is a lot of time still in the market and expectations with some of our players, so we will have to see how things develop in the next couple of weeks,” Arteta toldSky Sports News.
“We will be alert. There is still time to do things.
“There is still time for exits obviously, so I am sure things will move.”
When asked how Rice had settled into the squad after his move from West Ham, Arteta had a positive update for supporters.
“You all know about his leadership, his personality and the experience that he already has at 24,” added the Spaniard.
“It’s gone very smooth. I think he is already close with a few of the boys, he knew a few of them from the England camp, so yeah – he seems very happy.”
🗣 “We will be alert, there’s still time to do things.”
Mikel Arteta on whether he expects Arsenal to add more signings in this transfer window ✍️ pic.twitter.com/zXlQWyq11N
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 17, 2023
One player linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer is striker Folarin Balogun.
The United States international returned to Arsenal after a successful loan spell at Reims last season but faces tough competition for places, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah ahead of him in the pecking order.
The Evening Standardclaim Inter Milan are interested in signing Balogun but are not prepared to meet Arsenal’s £50m asking price for the forward and will seek to pay a lower fee.
Arteta is seemingly reluctant to lose Balogun this summer and will give him a chance to impress in pre-season.
“He’s done incredibly well,” added Arteta, when asked about his plans for the 22-year-old.
“Now we have to think what is best to do. We want to see him, we want to experience him in the next few games.
“He played the last game against Nurnberg and he will do again in the next few games. Then we will make the best decision.”