Lionel Messi's impending decision this summer could end up playing a surprising role in Arsenal's transfer plans ahead of the 2023/24 season. Edu and Mikel Arteta are likely both aware how important this summer is for the Gunners as they hope to prolong their stay fighting it out for the Premier League title, with this season's silverware looking set to remain in the hands of Manchester City.
After Pep Guardiola's men defeated Everton on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal knew victory over Brighton was crucial. However, the Seagulls delivered a thoroughly professional performance to beat the Gunners 3-0 at Emirates Stadium. The gap between the two title rivals now stands at four points, with City still having a game in hand over Arsenal.
The varying squad depths of the two teams has been brutally exposed in the last few months and therefore the task for Arteta and Edu in the transfer window appears simple.
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Add depth to the squad but also ensure the players bought can improve the starting XI. A new central midfielder is certainly at the top of the priority list with a centre back also one of the main areas in need of bolstering. Another top-quality winger could also be acquired, especially with the uncertain futures of Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe.
One world class forward in Messi looks likely to be on the move this summer with a reunion at Barcelona his preferred destination. However, the financial issues of the Spanish giants are well known, which would likely mean his arrival would come in toe with a front line exit being sanctioned from Camp Nou.
Given the minutes being handed to Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres, one of the duo departing appears possible to make way for Messi and Arsenal could subsequently take advantage. Leandro Trossard signing for the club in January also resulted in Gabriel Martinelli upping his game and entering a hot streak of form to reclaim his spot in the team after Trossard became first-choice in the position.
Signing Fati or Torres, with both previously linked to Arsenal, could spur Bukayo Saka on to reach an even higher level than the one he is already at, while also providing Arteta with a more than adequate option from the bench. Of the two, Fati leaving the club appears the most likely with club president Joan Laporta offering an update on his future after Barcelona won the La Liga title at the weekend.
“We are counting on Ansu, he is a Barca player and we want him with us," he said, via Fabrizio Romano. “He wants to succeed at Barca — the management will have to decide what happens with him, he’s a quality player, we will see”.
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