Arsenal’s summer transfer plan: Sane, Watkins, Mbeumo, new contracts, and more – exclusive column

Bryan Mbeumo made no sense for Arsenal, but Leroy Sane is a free transfer target

There have been many reactions from Arsenal fans to the news that Brian Mbeumo appears to be joining Manchester United at some point this summer.

There was a report of interest in Mbeumo from Arsenal, but things didn’t go any further and honestly I’m not really surprised.

Don’t get me wrong, I would have wanted to see Mbeumo at Arsenal, there’s no doubt he improved Mikel Arteta’s offensive options.

But let’s face it, he is primarily the right winger and strengthening in that position is not a real priority for Arsenal in this window.

They already have Bukayosaka. He intends to play often, then Ethan Nwaneri.

It was just as great as seeing people like Mbeumo coming in, but when Arsenal had to invest heavily in other areas of attack, it was not very realistic in the window.

I think there’s a debate to bring another right-hand option, but the priorities need to renew things on the other side and add a much-anticipated new striker.

These two additions cost a lot of money, adding a £51 million fee set aside by Martin Zubimendi, who has already added significant spending from Arsenal during the transfer period.

So spending £60 million on the right winger seems unrealistic.

Perhaps that’s why there was exploratory consultation with Leroy Sane’s agents as German wingers are set up for free transfers if they don’t agree to an extension with Bayern Munich.

Ollie Watkins might still be something to watch Arsenal

It’s only been a few months since Arsenal made his offer to Ollie Watkins, so it’s impossible to sit here and rule out the prospect of returning to Aston Villa striker.

Mikel Arteta continues to be a admirer of the forward, but the only way you can see something happening with him this summer is if something pretty dramatic happens with both Benjamin Sesco and Victor’s Gyoker.

These two are obviously a priority when it comes to new strikers, and only consider Watkins an option if none of these major targets arrive.

Some argue that Watkins can come along with either Sesko or Gyoker, but given the money that is likely to be spent elsewhere, I’m not sure if it’s really realistic.

I think the chances of Watkins moving to Arsenal will depend heavily on what price Aston Villa is looking for to do business.

In January they valued him at around £60 million, well above the £40 million that the Arsenal class was willing to pay.

Watkins turns 30 at the end of the year and his rating from Villa is that Arsenal has to significantly reduce it to consider doping something for the striker.

Why doesn’t Arsenal pursue Hugo Ekichike?

It really doesn’t surprise me that Arsenal is not mentioned as a serious candidate for Hugo Ekichique.

He was clearly a top talent and had an incredible season with Frankfurt in Germany. From what I saw about him, he also appears to be tailored to succeeding in the Premier League.

However, when you look at the sort of striker Mikel Arteta wants to run on his system, it’s not clear whether Ekitike fits the bill or not.

You can see why Arsenal is keen on Benjamin Sesco. He appears to fit perfectly into the Arteta system, but I’m not sure if I can say the same thing in Ekitike.

That’s not a criticism, and honestly, I think there’s a strong argument that Arsenal should be looking for something a little different to what they already have.

Arsenal looked a bit predictable under Arteta. They certainly did last season anyway, and perhaps they need another type of option to give the opposition something else to think about.

But I’m not just about whether it’s what they’re really looking for.

It was a late start, but Arsenal plans an important window

In terms of early business conducted by Arsenal’s Premier League rivals this summer, we can understand why a sense of dissatisfaction grows among the fanbase.

Liverpool shows true intentions early in the window. There’s no sense that they’re taking their eyes off the ball for the title celebration. If anything, it appears they are determined to send a statement to everyone else that they are coming out to build on their success.

That’s worrying given how clear and clear they finished in the rest of the league last season and the quality of the players they’re trying to bring in right now.

But I don’t think I’m just waiting for what my club will do in this early stage of the window, ignoring what’s going on elsewhere. There’s still a long way to go.

Arsenal wants to significantly bolster this summer. That message is abundantly clear and I think they will.

Patience is not a word that works very well during the transfer window. But that’s what you need in all the external noise.

Andrea Berta is steadily progressing with a new Arsenal contract

There is a contract debate going on with Ethan Nuwaneri and Miles Lewis Skelly, and of course, both aim to protect new long-term deals as quickly as possible.

Arsenal recognizes that their current deal is expected to expire at the end of the season and that the sport’s director Andrea Berta has a solid grasp of those debates, and that both need to be tied down.

Berta has made great progress in consultation with Gabriel Magalges. My understanding is that Arsenal’s new sort director is making a very good impression on everyone currently involved in contract debates at the club.

So when it comes to Lewis Skelly and Nuwaneri, I think that’s good.

From Miles Louis Skelly to Real Madrid? Of course, they’ll be interested in this outrageous talent!

I’ve heard of Louis Skelly’s interest from Real Madrid, but that doesn’t surprise me a bit. He’s an outrageous talent and Madrid saw it in person when he bossed them with two legs in the Champions League last season.

Of course, they are interested in such a promising young player and want to know what his plans are being given.

But I’m sure he’ll soon agree to an extension at Arsenal. He is the future of the club and he has spent years dreaming of making it the senior side, so why would he leave soon after achieving that dream?

Arsenal is very calm about the situation. They believe Lewis Skelly will sign, and at this stage I don’t think there is any reason to doubt that view.