The transfer grind truly never stops. Even with a mid-week fixture list and the impending return of the Champions League, not to mention an ongoing three-way battle to lift the Premier League trophy come May.
The footballing world is always moving forward though and those behind the scenes are constantly monitoring and playing a vital role in ensuring long-term progress.
With a minefield of financial problems to navigate and each week bringing worries and drama around impending rules or changes, it has never been so important.
As the margin at the top narrows and new, heightened standards are set, the battle to remain on top grows ever stronger. Having been proactive in their business last summer and the year before, it is no surprise that Arsenal are once again eyeing up improvements.
With that in mind, 360gist.com.ng has rounded up the latest stories in the transfer sphere and offered a fresh perspective on what it means for Arsenal.
Alexander Isak battle
Newcastle are expected to need to make some pretty hefty cuts in key areas in the next few years.
Eddie Howe’s side have been unable to invest in their squad like the Saudi Arabian owners would like, especially since the initial revolution, and with PSRs putting pressure on those pushing the threshold, the Magpies might be forced to move on from their star man.
The Sun state that both Arsenal and Tottenham are plotting a move for the striker. After Newcastle chief Darren Earles admitted in January that the club would need to sell at some stage in order to go big in the market, Isak is one of the most attractive.
Howe has shut down talk of Bruno Guimaraes leaving which isolates Isak as the main remainer.
They will hold out for up to £100million for the player though after yet another season including flashes of sheer brilliance.
360gist.com.ng says: It’s not breaking news to say that Isak is mustard. He is one of the best in the business and seems to go about his work under the radar.
Even in a lacklustre Newcastle side he has managed to inspire some moments of world-class individual quality.Â
With height, speed, touch, and finishing, he has a bit of everything and is a prototype that would suit Arsenal to the ground. He’s the version of Kai Havertz that actually wanted to be a striker in his career.
The pair could be dreamy together, mixing flicks and tricks with clinical output and deadly box threat.
He could be a taller version of Gabriel Jesus focused on killing defences in the area. The price is another point but Arsenal are expected to field offers for a host of players including Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson in the summer.
It will take a lot for them to fund yet another £100million plus move but with Champions League prize money and some big sales for the first time in years, Arsenal are right up there with the most attractive options for Isak if they go for it.Â
Tottenham would also be a strong fit but can anyone see Daniel Levy outbidding Arsenal with the rumoured sums involved?
Joao Cancelo chance
Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo – who is online at Barcelona – is said to still be a player Arsenal are keen to sign.
The player could still remain in Catalonia with an option for him to stay, but the chances of a return to City appear unlikely.
Having fallen out with Pep Guardiola last winter following a post-World Cup slump, Cancelo has continued to show why sides across Europe are keen to sign him.
At Bayern Munich he won the league title – though came extremely close to messing it up – and has had some big displays even in a disappointing Barcelona side.
Arsenal are still said to be watching the player as they deal with fitness problems with their inverting full-backs.
Whether or not they can find an agreement with the Portuguese ace, City over money, or even want to challenge Barcelona to a deal, is uncertain.
