Arsenal set to step up in search for a goalkeeper and midfielder
The start of the new Premier League season is set to kickoff with Arsenal traveling away to take on newly promoted Brentford at the Brentford Community Stadium.
The Gunners travel with a still uncompleted squad as the club has set their sights on a Barcelona and Real Madrid player.
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According to Goal, Arsenal reportedly keen on acquiring Real Madrid’s Martin Ødegaard. They’ve gotten a huge boost as the Norwegian has been left out of the squad for Madrid’s opening game of the season against Alaves.
Real Madrid are prepared to sell Ødegaard and are hoping to get €40 million for the midfielder. Arsenal could swoop in and start negotiations if and when Joe Willock’s move to Newcastle United is made official.
Ødegaard spent the last six months of last season on loan at Arsenal and left a good impression. The club were hoping a move could be made permanent and it looks like that wish may soon come true.
Ødegaard returned to Real Madrid under new manager Carlo Ancelotti. Similar to Zinedine Zidane, Ancelotti does not appear to count on the 22-year-old and would not stand in the way of a move.
Once done in Madrid, the North London side’s spending spree could see them travel to Barcelona for a new goalkeeper.
According to The Guardian, the Gunners may be considering a move for Barcelona’s Neto. This comes after talks with Sheffield United for Aaron Ramsdale broke down.
Arsenal want competition for their current starter Bernd Leno and believe Neto would make for a good short-term solution.
The Brazilian has not featured much for Barcelona and has been open to a move away. What might stand in the way for both he and the Gunners is Neto is set to start the season as the starter as Marc-André ter Stegen is set to miss the first three games.
However, should they make a good offer, Barcelona are likely to accept it given the financial mess the Catalan side find themselves in.
Starting the season with a number of questions marks is less than ideal for Arsenal. There is time left in the transfer window but they need to move quickly. Another disappointing season could spell the beginning of the end for Mikel Arteta.