Arsenal

Arsenal chief hints at busy summer transfer window

By Ben Sully | 25 February 2024

Arsenal sporting director Edu indicates that the club are preparing for a busy summer transfer window ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Arsenal sporting director Edu has hinted that the club are prepared to be heavily involved in the summer transfer window.

Like many Premier League clubs, the Gunners experienced a quiet winter market as they went through the course of the window without making a single new addition.

In contrast to their winter business, Arsenal splashed out in last summer's transfer window, signing midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham United for a club-record £105m deal.

The Gunners also spent £65m to prise Kai Havertz away from London rivals Chelsea and another £38m to sign Jurrien Timber from Ajax.

After overseeing those three major transfers last year, Edu has indicated that the club are already working on potential deals for the upcoming summer window.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice on January 20, 2024 © Reuters

"To be fair there is a lot going on at the moment isn't there?," Edu told TNT Sports ahead of Saturday's 4-1 win over Newcastle United.

"In my role I have to really look after not only the first team, but also I have to look after the women's [team] and the academy as well.

"There are a lot of things to do, but of course, we have started to plan ahead for the summer – on the recruitment – and lots of things are happening and we are really enjoying it."

There has been speculation suggesting that Arsenal could look to add to their centre-forward options, which currently include Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

Edu refused to give up too many details when he was asked by Rio Ferdinand about the possibility of a new striker arriving ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Edu pictured with Brazil in 2019 © Reuters

The Arsenal sporting director said: "I understand what the fans are asking for, but we already have our targets.

"We have planned a lot ahead of what we are going to face and I would be worried if we weren't scoring a lot of goals and if we weren't creating chances. But it is the opposite, I think we are creating a lot and we're scoring a lot of goals.

"The plan is every year to try and get better and I think we are in a good moment and let's see if we can keep improving and improving."

Having won each of their last six league games, Mikel Arteta's side are sitting in third place and two points adrift of leaders Manchester City.