Arsenal have had a good start to the summer transfer window with three notable arrivals.
The Gunners have yet to make any deal official, but it is only a matter of time before that happens.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is expected to join the club next month.
He will be accompanied by Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard.
The Premier League duo will act as backup options for the 2025/26 season.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has already provided a couple of surprises with deals for Arrizabalaga and Norgaard.
The duo were not linked with Arsenal for most of the year, but are now poised to join the club.
Based on this trend, here are three surprise signings Arsenal could make in the coming weeks.
Alejandro Garnacho – Manchester United
The Argentine had a good season with United, making 21 goal contributions. However, his future is uncertain after a public fall-out with manager Ruben Amorim, who has told him to find a new club.
The Red Devils wanted at least £60 million for Garnacho at the start of the year and may accept just £40m this summer, considering the fall-out and clubs being aware of their intention to sell the 20-year-old.
Garnacho has the ability to play on either wing, but he is most comfortable from the left. He plans to continue his career in the Premier League and could be London-bound in the coming weeks.
Chelsea have held a long-term interest in the United graduate, but a shock move to Arsenal can’t be ruled out. Journalist Gaston Edul recently confirmed that the Gunners have enquired about Garnacho.
Noni Madueke – Chelsea
The England international made 16 goal contributions for Chelsea this term before the Club World Cup. He is a specialist right winger, but has been trialled on the left wing on occasions without success.
Arsenal are likely to prioritise a left-sided winger this summer, but Madueke could be seen as an option to provide backup to Saka, whose workload needs to be managed to avoid future injuries.
Chelsea have set a hefty £50m price tag on the former PSV Eindhoven man which the Gunners have no plans to match. However, his valuation could reduce with the Blues’ ongoing spending spree.
The Blues have just agreed to sign Jamie Gittens and Pedro from Borussia Dortmund and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively. This could have a domino effect with Madueke heading out later this summer.
The Blues may want to recoup funds for the huge outlay made. Arsenal could capitalise on the situation by securing a discount for the purchase of Madueke from their London counterparts.
Lucien Agoume – Sevilla
Arsenal have compensated for the departures of Thomas Partey (set to leave on June 30) and Jorginho with the acquisitions of Zubimendi and Norgaard this summer.
However, the hierarchy could have plans to pursue another young defensive midfielder to provide competition and depth. Agoume would be a fabulous addition to the ranks.
The 23-year-old had an impressive first full season at Sevilla. He won an average of four duels and two tackles alongside four recoveries in the Spanish top-flight for the Andalusian outfit.
His defensive and technical ability has drawn comparisons with N’Golo Kante in his younger days. For a fee of £20 million, he would represent a brilliant acquisition with long-term success in mind.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
