Arsenal have had mixed results in the transfer market in recent seasons and some poor decisions have left the club in a poor financial state. It now looks like a restructure at the club will help address the issues, with a new focus on youth.
Arsenal’s new head of football operations Richard Garlick will be part of a set-up designed to ensure panic contracts for Ozil (£350,000 a week) and Willian (£200,000 a week) are consigned to the past according to the Daily Mail.
The same report goes on to suggest Arsenal will place their focus on younger players moving forward. They reiterate the Gunners interest in Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey and say the club will look to extend the contracts of Folarin Balogun, 19, and Emile Smith Rowe, 20.
Numerous reports in recent months have linked Arsenal with a summer move for Lamptey. A club insider confirmed to Fresh Arsenal that Arsenal’s interest in Lamptey is genuine. The Gunners have followed Lamptey since his time at Chelsea and are eyeing a move for the youngster this summer, despite him only recently signing a new four-year deal.
Balogun’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season but Arsenal retain confidence of signing him to a new deal.
Smith Rowe has emerged as an important first-team player since the turn of the year and still has two years remaining on his current contract. But the 20-year-old English attacking midfielder will be eyeing an improved deal based on his recent performances and the club will want to secure his long-term future.
The signings of Lamptey, Smith Rowe and Balogun would be a significant move in the right direction for Arsenal.