Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta showing ruthless streak with quadruple transfer plan

Premier League title-winning managers have all proven to be ruthless in the transfer market over the years and Mikel Arteta appears to be going down the same path as the window draws to a near. The Spaniard has once again been heavily backed in this summer with Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and David Raya bolstering his squad.

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are now the only two players considered part of Arteta’s long-term plans at Arsenal who were at the club before the manager took over from Unai Emery. Arteta took over the club in December 2019 and soon made a host of changes by attempting to trim down the bloated and aging squad.

Former favourites in Mesut Ozil, Sead Kolasinac, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, David Luiz, Hector Bellerin, Bernd Leno, Alexandre Lacazette and Granit Xhaka have all left the club along with a host of other players. Arteta is close to having the squad that he wants moving forward, but there are still a few players on the chopping block at the Emirates.

Kieran Tierney and Albert Sambi Lokonga appear no longer part of Arteta’s plans moving forward with both players being linked with moves away. Nicolas Pepe, Nuno Tavarez, Cedric Soares and Rob Holding could also leave as part of Arsenal’s hopes to raise £100million from player sales, according to the Daily Mail.

More surprising to many though is Arsenal’s push to cash in on young striker Folarin Balogun. The 22-year-old earned rave reviews for his performances in Ligue 1 last season, but he’s been unable to win over Arteta since returning to the club this summer.

Eddie Nketiah is preferred as back-up to Gabriel Jesus with seemingly no way for Balogun to change Arteta’s mind. That ruthlessness could come back to bite Arteta if Balogun secures a move elsewhere in the Premier League.

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But it’s that brutal approach to management that has proven so successful in the past. Chelsea were heavily criticised for letting Romelu Lukaku leave back in 2014, but they went on to win the league with Diego Costa leading the line.

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson also took on some criticism for not replacing Cristiano Ronaldo when he left in 2009, but the Red Devils went on to win two more Premier League titles in the following four years. There’s always a risk in letting talented players leave, but that money can often be used to strengthen elsewhere in the squad that needs more attention.

For Arteta, he reportedly wants more reinforcements in midfield before the transfer window closes and Balogun’s potential sale would provide the funds needed to make that happen. A ruthless decision, but something that may well be necessary for Arsenal’s season and beyond.

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