With just six days left in the summer transfer window, Arsenal are in the midst of a whirlwind of activity as Mikel Arteta looks to finalise his squad before the January reopening. The Gunners have already made significant moves, splashing over £250 million on seven new signings, including high-profile additions like Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke. However, their outgoings have been modest, with only £7 million recouped from the sales of Marquinhos to Cruzeiro and Nuno Tavares to Lazio, alongside free departures of Jorginho, Kieran Tierney, and Thomas Partey. As the September 1 deadline looms, Arsenal could still generate funds through potential exits of Fabio Vieira, Jakub Kiwior, Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
River Plate’s Rising Star in Arsenal’s Sights
In a bold move, Arsenal have set their sights on River Plate’s 18-year-old winger Ian Subiabre, with scouts dispatched to Buenos Aires to closely monitor the young talent, according to Diario AS. Subiabre, regarded as one of Argentina’s brightest prospects, has caught the attention of several European giants, including Barcelona, who are reportedly keeping tabs on his development. The teenager’s representatives, led by Argentine legend Claudio Caniggia, have already made multiple trips to Barcelona this year to discuss his future, hinting at the intense competition for his signature.
Subiabre is under contract with River Plate until December 2026, with a release clause set at approximately €30 million (£26 million). Arsenal’s interest signals Arteta’s intent to bolster the squad with young, dynamic talent capable of developing into a long-term asset. However, the Gunners face a race against time to secure a deal before the window slams shut, especially with rival clubs circling.
Jakub Kiwior’s Future Hangs in the Balance
On the outgoing front, Jakub Kiwior’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain as the club weighs up a potential shock bid for the Polish defender. Signed from Spezia in January 2023 for £20 million, Kiwior has struggled to cement a regular starting spot, with Arteta often preferring other options in defence. Recent reports suggest interest from Serie A clubs, including Bologna and Juventus, who see the 24-year-old as a versatile addition to their backlines.
With Arsenal’s defensive unit already bolstered by the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori and the emergence of Jurrien Timber, Kiwior’s departure could free up funds and squad space for further reinforcements. However, Arteta faces a critical decision: retain the versatile defender for depth or cash in to balance the books after a hefty spending spree. Any move for Kiwior could also hinge on whether Arsenal secure additional signings before the deadline.
Arteta’s Transfer Tightrope
As Arsenal navigate the final days of the transfer window, Arteta must balance the pursuit of exciting young talents like Subiabre with the need to streamline the squad. The potential exits of Kiwior, Vieira, Nelson, Zinchenko, and Lokonga could provide the financial flexibility needed to fund a late move for the River Plate starlet or other targets. However, with Barcelona and other European heavyweights in the race for Subiabre, Arsenal will need to act swiftly to avoid missing out.
The coming days promise to be pivotal for the Gunners, as Arteta’s vision for the 2025/26 season takes shape. Will Arsenal land their Argentine gem, and can they offload fringe players to maintain squad harmony? The Emirates is buzzing with anticipation as the transfer clock ticks down.