Three Players Arsenal Could Sign This Summer Who Won't Break The Bank

Complying with PSR is required (for most clubs anyway) although finding more shrewd deals is a testing task in today’s market.

We know we are getting Zubimendi, Kepa and now Norgaard and if we are to believe the approximate figures, that would take our summer spending to around £65 million.

Not a huge outlay for three players but it is likely to represent a significant chunk of our transfer budget.

It is likely we will be signing one of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres who will almost certainly cost upwards of £70 million, which takes our spending to around £140-£150 million.

As of yet no one has been sold so not breaking the bank is of paramount importance. Especially if we are to sign a winger as well.

Georges Mikautadze-

Impressed during last summer’s Euros where I was hugely impressed by Mikautadze’s performances for Georgia on their surprise run to the Round of 16. He signed for Lyon last summer from Metz and he is primarily a centre forward. He managed 11 goals and 6 assists in 34 appearances last season and according to Transfermarkt his value is around 22 million euros.

However, as you may have heard, Lyon have been handed a relegation to Ligue 2 due to their massive financial issues so it is possible we could pinch him for less. You would expect us to get one of Sesko or Gyokeres but if Arteta wants a cheap backup so supplement whoever we get out of those two, Mikautadze would fit the bill. He is also 24 so his potential remains high which carries good resale value.

Malick Fofana-

Also wears a Lyon shirt. Fofana is a left winger who thrives in one-on-one situations. Whilst his numbers last season were not massively groundbreaking, his potential remains high, and his direct style of play is similar to that of Martinelli so he would likely be a floor raiser rather than a ceiling raiser.

Whether Arteta wants an upgrade to Martinelli or just an alternative is unclear. 

In my opinion Martinelli is a fantastic player and the number of left wingers who would represent a genuine upgrade is limited. Rodrygo is one player who has been heavily linked with The Arsenal but there remain questions over whether we can actually afford him, and whether Madrid deem him surplus to requirements thus opening the possibility to a potential sale.

Fofana would represent a relatively cheap alternative; valued at 30 million euros. Like Mikautadze, Lyon’s situation could subtract his value by a few million. Fofana has been heavily linked with Chelsea (who hasn’t) and I haven’t seen him linked with Arsenal at all so don’t hold your breath on this one. But a potentially good option on the cheap exists should we wish to explore it at any point in the window.

Lucien Agoume-

A defensive midfielder for Sevilla, Agoume would be a very cheap option and at 23 years of age, one of very high potential. In light of the arrival of Christian Norgaard perhaps Agoume is a player we could explore more deeply in around two years’ time. Right now, he is valued around 8 million euros so he would likely be significantly more costly in a couple of years but it’s one to keep on the radar.

Previous articles by exciting new Arsenal writer Nick Manfredi:

A Love Letter to Santi Cazorla

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Martin Odegaard: Here's to a better 2025-26 for the Arsenal captain

All Hail Declan Rice: Arsenal's midfield genius

Arsenal's new red and white home kit: Lighten my wallet now

Feel the positivity under Arteta after Rice's superb stunner steers Arsenal to the Champions League