There's no easy way to put this, Arsenal snapped and we're moving mad in the transfer window. Unlike every other transfer window where Arsenal "shows interest" in players, things seem to be progressing very aggressively.
At the beginning of the window, we wrapped up the signing of one of the most promising players in the Brazilian league. The addition of Marquinhos looks like one for the future but it is also possible that the teenager will be directly involved in the coming season.
At a time when Manchester City was adding Erling Halaand and Liverpool was adding one of our long-term targets, Darwin Nunez, all we had for the freshly opened transfer window was a Brazillian teenager. There were already rumours that the manager was unhappy with the pace of our transfers just 48 hours after the window.
The aforementioned rumours were most likely just made-up stories but there's no doubt about Arsenal's intent in this window. Also, there's something very intentional about the way we're conducting business that looks very unArsenal.
First of all, we're not dithering through the window and instead, we're acting fast. Secondly, we're filling obvious gaps in the squad and trying to get quality depth in the squad.
A few days ago, FC Porto announced that we signed the immensely talented Portuguese U23 midfielder. The young midfielder had already broken into the FC Porto team, helping them win the Portuguese league and was also the player of the tournament at the recently concluded U23 Euros.
Fabio Vieira hasn't officially been announced by Arsenal but that's pretty much all that's left. He is, in fact, an Arsenal player already and will most likely be on holiday for now, with all the reveal videos and stuff probably sorted out.
Fabio has been likened to his Portuguese compatriot, Bernado Silva of Manchester City. He is left-footed, technically gifted, tough in the tackle and glides across the pitch like it's his sitting room.
Word is that the Porto hierarchy is pretty pissed that we got their talented maestro for a measly 35 million Euros. We actually paid less than his release clause, which is pretty impressive business by Arsenal, when you think about it.
On top of Vieria, Arsenal has also been linked to a host of players and out of the lot, the most advanced is probably Gabriel Jesus. Some sources even claim that it's done and dusted, and that Gabriel Jesus IS an Arsenal player.
Other sources say that Gabriel is pushing for the move and they believe his previous relationship with Arteta during his time as Pep's vice helps Arsenal's cause.
Piecing all the information together, what I know for sure is that Arsenal is in advanced talks with Manchester City for the Brazillian striker. With the number 9 shirt freed up at Arsenal, especially as Eddie Nketiah took the number 14 shirt, the path seems clear for Gabriel Jesus to be the starting number 9 at Arsenal.
Lisandro Martinez is another name that recently popped up on Arsenal's radar. He's a versatile defender, midfielder and left-back with exquisite passing range. He's basically pint-size Virgil Van Djik.
Arsenal's first bid for the defender was rejected by Ajax who want to hold on to their asset but the story is that the player is interested in playing for Arsenal. I don't know what it is about Arteta that the defender sees, but it seems he's hell-bent on playing for Arsenal because of our gaffer.
There has been some late interest from Manchester United but I seriously doubt they will be getting involved in the market anytime soon. Manchester United just got a new manager; he will need to clean house and evaluate the players at his disposal before making any move.
Goal hit us with a fascinating story about our interest in Raphinha of Leeds. In fact, just like the Jesus deal, this one also seems to be a matter of when and not if.
The talented Brazillian winger who was called up to the National team, alongside Martinelli will most likely be an Arsenal player by the end of the week. At least that's what Goal correspondents are saying.
Getting Raphinha is a no-brainer if you ask me. He's an exceptional player that is capable of playing on either flank, works hard and has a deadly left foot. Martinelli and Smithe Rowe are talented youngsters but we need more on the flanks and I believe Raphinha has the requisite ability to push us to the next level.
We've already completed our deal for USA goalkeeper Matt Turner who has recently endeared himself to the gunners faithful by referring to the Spurs jersey as "disgusting". He has vowed to provide competition for Ramsdale despite coming in as a second goalkeeper and that's what fans love to hear.
Our interest in Youri Tielemans seems to have cooled in recent times but Fabriziano claims that we're still considering the Foxes' midfielder and the midfielder himself is holding out for a solid team to take him.
If nothing materialises, Leicester is prepared to offer him a one-year extension, to ensure they don't lose him for free next season. There's a lot more to come from this story and I suspect this is the one deal that will go down the wire. Time will tell.
If we end this transfer window with these additions and possibly let go of some of our current players including Torreira, Pepe, Reis Nelson, Pablo Mari and a couple of other fringe players, will you be satisfied with this transfer window? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
