IN
The Gunners need reinforcements in 5 positions, although some of it will depend on who departs the club. So we'll break down possible arrivals by on-pitch areas. We'll add probability of joining at the end.
Goalkeeper
Arsenal are reportedly on the lookout for a new goalie - it's yet unclear whether one will be providing backup to Bernd Leno or replace the German shot-stopper. 3 names have been linked:
Unai Simon (from Athletic Bilbao). This one is surely considered a Leno replacement, because he's just 23, therefore represents a long-term solution. The problem would be his price tag - something around £27m - but his contract runs until 2025, so it can be considerably higher. Probability: 3/10
David Raya (from Brentford) linked endlessly with Arsenal last summer, he's just signed a new deal. His contract is until 2024, although Transfermarkt values him considerably lower than Simon - at just £10m. At 25, he'd also likely be a Leno replacement. Probability: 4/10
Mathew Ryan (from Brighton). This one is surely in the "grizzled veteran" category, despite being "just" 29. He's not wanted at Brighton, loves Arsenal and won't cost much. Can totally see it happening. Probability: 8/10
Right-back
Hector Bellerin is close to leaving and we've seen 3 CBs linked:
Max Aarons (from Norwich): back into the Premier League with the Canaries, he's considered one of the most promising right-backs at just 21 years of age. He has 3 years on his deal and will probably cost upwards of £20m. Would be a tough transfer to complete. Probability: 4/10
Tariq Lamptey (from Brighton): another possible Bellerin replacement. Another long-term deal (until 2025) and a hefty price tag (around £16m at least). Been linked with Bayern Munich. Much less likely to join us over them. Probability: 3/10
Achraf Hakimi (from Inter): branded 'Arteta's personal favourite' Hakimi just won the league title with Inter. The most expensive of the lot at £45m. Arteta might love him as much as we love cookies - he's not getting him. Probability: 1/10
Left-back
Only one name has been linked: Ryan Bertrand. He's 32, out of contract this summer and will provide experienced back-up to indisputable first choice Kieran Tierney. Plus, he's another fullback from Southampton. What's not to like? Probability: 7/10
Central midfield
Our most understaffed place with so many futures uncertain among current Arsenal players. But just 2 names have been touted:
Yves Bissouma (from Brighton): some sources go as far as to state the deal is in place and he'll be our player next season. He's certainly an impressive midfield dynamo and can plug our midfield hole for years at 24. Probability: 6/10
Sander Berge (from Sheffield): the Blades are going down and might need to rescue themselves by offloading some of their high earners. Arteta's assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg has links with Berge, although we are yet to see anything to suggest Arsenal are interested. Probability: 3/10
Striker
2 players have been linked as possible replacements for Alexandre Lacazette:
Odsonne Edouard (from Celtic): heavily linked since last summer, his deal is up next season and Celtic failed to win their 10th straight title and are undergoing a managerial change. He's young (23) and will cost around £13m, according to Transfermarkt. Probability: 7/10
Moussa Dembele (from Lyon): we honestly cannot remember many links with him. Currently flopping big time at Atletico Madrid. Just 24 and 2 years left on contract though. Probability: 2/10
Out
Oof. It'd probably be easier to list those who'll definitely stay. But we don't do things the easy way. Once again we'll go by on-pitch positions, just less specific this time around. We'll add probability of leaving at the end.
Goalkeeper
Depending on who you trust, all 3 of our goalies (Leno, Ryan, Runarsson) might be off. We tend to think Leno will stay though, Ryan's move will be made permanent and we'll solve this particular issue next summer - if there's a need for it then. Right now there are enough holes to fill without thinking about the position between the sticks.
- Bernd Leno: probability: 4/10
- Mat Ryan: probability: 3/10
- Alex Runarsson: probability: 9/10 (has not even made the squad since December, barring an odd game)
Defence
Hector Bellerin: as good as off. Reported by multiple top sources. Thanks for the memories, Heccy. Probability: 9/10
David Luiz: is he a leader? Is he a clown? what we do know is that he's 34 and his deal runs out in the summer. We also have an overload at CB. Probability: 7/10
Dinos Mavropanos: a forgotten man out on loan. Likely to stay in Stuttgart beyond this season - permanently this time. Probability: 9/10
Sead Kolasinac: he's still our player, yes. Given his wages, we might have difficulties shipping him off. We can see the club just paying him to leave, as they did with Ozil and Mustafi. Probability: 9/10
Midfield
God, have mercy on us all. The only player certain to stay is Thomas Partey. We are more or less sure that Granit Xhaka will too. Everyone else is likely to leave - and that fills us with dread in terms of sheer numbers.
Matteo Guendouzi: out of favour with Arteta. He's out, question is in which direction. Probability: 10/10
Lucas Torreira: wants to return to Uruguay, has been vocal about it. Not fancied by Arteta either. Deadman walking, as much as we like him. Probability: 9/10
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: not much game time at Arsenal this season, went to West Brom only to play in central midfield. Arteta won't appreciate this gesture most likely. He's off. Probability: 9/10
Mohamed Elneny: you know what you are getting with him - and it's not that much. Hard-working and a decent squad option though. Might stick around for some squad depth. Probability: 7/10
Joe Willock: he's a youngster out on loan, spoken more favourably about by Arteta than some of out other loanees. We are hoping sense is shown by retaining him but we are not sure sense and Arsenal go hand in hand. Probability: 6/10
Dani Ceballos: Romano confirmed we won't extend his loan/ Back to Real Madrid he'll go and then probably to some place like Celta or Cadiz. Probability: 9/10
Attack
Reiss Nelson: the lad is just not getting minutes for some reason. We can't wrap our heads around it but can't see him staying under those circumstances. Probability: 8/10
Willian: some sources say he's unhappy at Arsenal and looking to leave, others deny it. We can't see how Arteta can be happy with him - the fans definitely aren't - but also can't see where he might go on huge salary and with 2 years left on his deal. Probability: 4/10
Eddie Nketiah: one year left on deal, getting very few minutes and Folarin Balogun also extended. It's over for Eddie, sadly. West Ham has been touted as a possible destination. Probability: 8/10
Alex Lacazette: One year left on deal and repeated non-committal comments from Arteta. Roma< Lyon and Atletico apparently in the mix for him. We won't be surprised to see him go. Probability: 7/10
