Bit of fun for me this morning as I try to predict what movements will happen in the transfer market for The Arsenal this week.
My first prediction is that Gabriel Jesus will join from Manchester City.
Now I know this is not exactly a bold prediction – a bit like your Nap of the Day being a 1/10 favourite. The deal is basically done. We all know it. Expect a late Monday or early Tuesday announcement.
The week will then be mainly focused around speculation about Raphinha.
I do not expect a deal for the Brazilian winger to come off this week. Arsenal and Leeds United seem to be someway off valuations. I also expect a deal will only happen once Leeds have already secured his replacement (Cody Gakpo the latest name linked with them).
Expect “in negotiations” and “close to an agreement” to be the buzzwords of the week for this deal.
Whilst there is lots of talk about Raphinha, I expect little if anything to be mentioned about Youri Tielemans.
Speculation surrounding the Belgium moving to Arsenal seems to be getting getting more and more quiet since the arrival of Fabio Vieira. I expect the deal is now colder than a bottle of Madri in the fridge of my garden bar.
We might get some contract news this week.
William Saliba is set to return from his holiday and the online speculation is that he is set to agree a new contract with Arsenal. Could it happen this week? I would say yes.
One man whose contract will not be renewed this week is Bukayo Saka.
My gut feeling is the deal is done. Agreed. Signed. But Arsenal are waiting to announce it in a bit manner. That will not happen until he is back from holiday.
Arsenal will not be worried. There is no rush as it is probably agreed (I think Arteta’s new deal was a big part of his agreement). Just wait for the PR to drop when he is back.
End of the week Matt Turner will be announced.
MLS rules means players can not officially leave until 1st July. It is a bit odd as I thought he had agreed to sign for us in January and was loaned back. Expect him to finally hold the shirt up on Friday.
What else? Probably not much.
We will not see the predicted loan deals yet materilise – clubs will not take a player on loan whilst they are on holiday; Paying wages for a player who will not even be training.
Only other deal to keep an eye on is Lisandro Martinez. I think this could be a deal that rumbles on this summer as Ajax attempt to push his price up.
So should be a busy week. Two incomings and some new contracts/
Have a good one.
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 