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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta preparing 'two or three' transfer scenarios ahead of first summer window

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he is planning for up to three different summer transfer scenarios, which could see the club do “more, less, or nothing” when the window opens.

There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding this summer’s transfer market, both in terms of the finances clubs will have at their disposal following the coronavirus shutdown and when the window will take place, with Fifa having allowed it to be moved to accommodate the probable overrunning of the club season.

Arsenal’s situation is complicated on several fronts. Firstly, they have the likes of Cedric Soares, Dani Ceballos and Pablo Mari on loan deals that are due to expire at the end of the season. The Gunners have an option-to-buy in the case of Mari, but the Spaniard had made just one Premier League appearance at the time of the shutdown.

The issue of European qualification is also key, with Arsenal currently languishing in ninth, outside even the Europa League spots. However, should the season be declared null and void and last year’s standings used, they could even reach the Champions League as a result of Manchester City’s ban from Uefa competition.

Arteta has scant evidence on which to decide whether to make Pablo Mari's move permanent (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arteta has scant evidence on which to decide whether to make Pablo Mari's move permanent (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Throw in the situation surrounding captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract, which will surely influence the club’s transfer activity, and Arteta clearly has plenty to mull over.

"I'm planning two or three different scenarios that we can face,” he told Sky Sports. “Depending on one of those three, we will be able to do more, less or nothing.

"We have to react daily. We don't know what the financial situation is going to be, we don't know the rules, the timing, the window. There are so many things we cannot control at the moment."