Arsenal have already identified dream replacement Oleksandr Zinchenko as Edu plots £34m repeat

Mikel Arteta and Edu have arguably already targeted numerous transfers, with the latter name being a perfect fit for Arsenal's model. Ahead of the Gunners' 2023/24 season closing, Arteta spoke about the club's transfer plans and revealed his desire to complete deals quickly.

“That's the ideal scenario,” he replied when asked if Arsenal were hopeful of wrapping up business at the start of the window. “All the clubs want it, we want it as coaches and for the players in particular. Then for the team and for the environment. When you do that, something clicks and it's really important because let it start to give you momentum.”

Following the end of the campaign, Arsenal have been linked with Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, with it looking increasingly likely that Aaron Ramsdale will leave this summer. On the subject of departures, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey are others who could leave before the 2024/25 season.

The sale of many first-team players could allow for more big-name transfers to be made, but with that, replacements will be needed. One option that could arrive in place of Zinchenko would be Fenerbahce's Ferdi Kadioglu, with the defender capable of playing on both flanks.

Given what Arteta wants from his full-backs, this would be a shrewd addition, but there may be a better target who has recently been linked with Leeds United's Archie Gray. “Arsenal are one of several clubs linked with Archie Gray at Leeds United,” transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed via Caught Offside.

“Germany and England are certainly interested in Gray. Leeds were hoping to keep Gray and Crysencio Summerville, but that might be difficult now after missing out on promotion to the Premier League, so yes, I expect movement on those two players and we will see how Leeds react.

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With the Whites failing to secure promotion from the Championship, they could be forced to sell a number of star players, with Gray the one who could be sacrificed. The 18-year-old has had a superb season at Elland Road thanks to his versatility to play at both right-back and midfield, something Arteta will certainly have taken note of.

Last summer, the Gunners signed Jurrien Timber for £34 million with the plan that he would be deployed in Zinchenko's reverse role. As such, it seemed likely that the former Manchester City man would get fewer minutes, but the Netherlands international's long-term injury changed plans.

Despite this, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior have often been preferred over the Ukraine international and for this reason, he will likely be the one sold if Arsenal move for Gray. As he is still only a teenager, a back-up role will likely be accepted with a clear plan to continue his development under Arteta.