Edu and Mikel Arteta will be fervently hoping that a specific Premier League midfield player makes it to the summer’s European championships. The tournament will begin in less than two weeks, and while it would present the ideal scouting opportunity, closing early agreements will undoubtedly be difficult.
“It’s the best case scenario,” Arteta responded when asked if Arsenal hoped to complete their business at the beginning of the window. “As coaches and players in particular, we desire that, as does every team. Next, for the surroundings and the group. Something pretty significant occurs when you do that because it begins to give you momentum.”
The Gunners have been linked to many players, with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko clearly on the top of the priority list, even if the summer transfer window doesn’t begin until mid-June. Despite his €65 million (£55.3 million) release clause, closing a deal quickly won’t be simple given that he’s training for the European Championship with Slovenia.
Later this month, England take on his nation in their last group stage meeting where Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka may be aiming to convince him of a switch to Arsenal. Arteta will probably be closely watching that match, but he might also be watching other England games and keeping a careful eye on a specific midfield player.
The buzz of the town was rightfully so when Crystal Palace player Adam Wharton displayed his true colours during the last 28 minutes of the friendly victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 20-year-old has excelled in his first six months at Selhurst Park, and his brief appearance off the bench could have significantly increased his chances of being included in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man roster.
Rice and Jude Bellingham have already secured two midfield slots, but it’s unclear who will occupy the remaining one. Arteta will undoubtedly be praying for Wharton to be chosen above Conor Gallagher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kobbie Mainoo, and Wharton so she can see more closely how he works with Rice.
Thomas Partey is slated to leave the Gunners this summer, thus they are searching for a new midfield player. Youssouf Fofana, Joao Neves, Amadou Onana, Martin Zubimendi, and Youssouf Fofana have all been mentioned as possible successors; nevertheless, Wharton might be the ideal choice, particularly if he has prior experience working closely with Rice.
Arsenal had interest in signing him during the summer of last year, but Palace moved swiftly this year to finalise a £18 million contract with Blackburn Rovers of the Championship. The sole issue with the interest perhaps lasting another year will be the substantial price increase in light of Wharton’s previous actions and nationality.
