Arsenal have agreed three transfer deals as the summer window deadline approaches on September 1, according to a report by the Daily Mirror. The club is moving to bolster its squad while defending its Premier League crown and aiming for a deeper Champions League run.
Mikel Arteta's side currently sits ninth in the Premier League with three points from one game, a win that saw them score three goals without conceding. They are three points behind leaders Manchester City. Their next challenge is a home fixture against third-placed Chelsea on September 6, a match detailed on our fixtures page. The squad faces significant absences, with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, and Bruno Guimarães all currently sidelined, as listed on our injuries page.
What are the three deals Arsenal have agreed?
The most notable outgoing is striker Gabriel Jesus, who will depart for Barcelona's Nou Camp in a transfer worth around £8.57 million. This sale comes as Arsenal pursue a major attacking reinforcement. In a separate move, the brother of defender Jurrien Timber, central midfielder Quinten Timber, has agreed to join Crystal Palace. French outlets understand he is set to become a key figure for the Eagles. Furthermore, former Arsenal and Chelsea academy winger Omari Hutchinson is undergoing a medical with AC Milan on Monday, August 31. The Italian club has agreed a loan deal with an option to buy that becomes an obligation under certain conditions, completing his move from Nottingham Forest.
Why is Julian Alvarez a target for Arsenal?
Arsenal's primary focus appears to be landing a blockbuster deal for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. The Argentinian striker was left out of Atletico's matchday squad for their win over Sevilla on Saturday, August 31, and has made it clear he wants to leave the Spanish club this summer. Manager Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of Alvarez's qualities. While the player's preference is a move to Barcelona, Atletico Madrid have refused to sell to their domestic rivals, opening a potential path for Arsenal. Alvarez has since returned to full-time training with Atletico, but the situation remains fluid.
How could Jonathan David affect the Alvarez deal?
A potential transfer for Alvarez hinges on Atletico Madrid securing a replacement. The club is actively pursuing that, having submitted a bid to Juventus for Canada international Jonathan David. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims the two clubs are discussing an initial loan deal with a buy-option clause, and talks are ongoing about the proposal's details. The player is open to the move. Juventus, however, will only let David leave if they find a replacement, with Newcastle's Woltemade and Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee among the options being considered. If Atletico succeeds in signing David, it could pave the way for Alvarez's exit, a scenario Arsenal are hopeful of exploiting.
What does this mean for Arsenal's squad depth?
The flurry of activity addresses immediate needs and future planning. Selling Jesus creates space and funds for a potential elite striker like Alvarez, whose arrival would significantly boost Arsenal's attacking options. The departure of Quinten Timber, while not directly affecting the first team, is a notable move involving a family connection to the squad. These changes come as Arsenal look to build on a solid defensive start to the season, which you can track via our standings page, and manage a lengthy injury list that tests their depth ahead of a critical period.
