18 August 2023 , 03:00
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Arsenal got a lot of their summer transfer business wrapped up early, but injury issues could see them dip back into the market.
Mikel Arteta's side spent big on the Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz, while offloading a handful of players including Granit Xhaka. David Raya has also joined on loan, with Raya's fellow goalkeeper Matt Turner joining Nottingham Forest.
A long-term injury to Timber, however, will leave some worried. The Dutch international's ACL surgery will keep him out of action for a number of months, and - as today's latest transfer lines show - this could force Arteta's hand transfer-wise.
Arsenal have a fortnight to get any further deals over the line. Before then, though, they face a pair of London derbies against Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Fulham.
Tavares talks ongoing
Arsenal and Nottingham Forest remain locked in talks over the future of Nuno Tavares. According to The Express, both a loan move and a permanent switch are potential options for the Portuguese left-back, who spent last season on loan at Marseille.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Ironically, Forest's interest has come after Renan Lodi, their left-back last term, moved to Marseille himself. The Brazilian was on loan at the City Ground from Atletico Madrid, but has opted for a Ligue 1 switch.
Who should Arsenal keep and sell this summer? Have your say in the comments section
Nuno Tavares spent last season on loan at Marseille (AFP via Getty Images)23-year-old defender Tavaras joined Arsenal for £8m from Benfica in 2021. The Gunners are thought to want more than that if they are to offload the player permanently.
Fulham keen on Balogun
Fulham have joined the race for Folarin Balogun, according to The Mail. The London side's interest comes as last season's top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic continues to close in on a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.
Marco Silva's side have already added Raul Jimenez to their ranks this summer, but Mitrovic's proposed move to Al-Hilal is expected to prompt them to invest further. The Serbian international could link up with Neymar in Riyadh after the Brazilian completed his move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Balogun, who scored 22 Ligue 1 goals while on loan at Reims last season, has also been linked with the likes of Inter Milan this summer. Arsenal are thought to want around £50m for the American frontman, who has two years left on his contract.
Arsenal join Pavard chase
Arsenal are in the battle for Benjamin Pavard, according to reports on the continent. However, L'Equipe (via Get French Football News) suggests Inter Milan will rival the Gunners - and fellow Premier League side Manchester United - for his signature.
Pavard was a World Cup winner with France in 2018, and tends to be used at right-back by his country. He is more commonly a central defender at Bayern, though, and his versatility could be a factor as Arsenal chase cover after Timber's injury/
Earlier reports suggested €30m might be enough to land the ex-Stuttgart man. Whether a bidding war drives the price up remains to be seen.