Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal’s final transfer decisions are now largely out of his hands as the Premier League champions prepare for a potentially busy deadline day.
Speaking after Monday night’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa, Arteta was asked about Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez and whether another signing could arrive before the window closes.
His answer was telling.
Asked specifically about Alvarez, Arteta told Sky Sports: “I don’t know, that is for the people upstairs.”
That comes with Arsenal continuing to explore attacking additions while Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira all head towards exits.
Arteta leaves Arsenal deadline-day business to hierarchy
Arteta has been closely involved in Arsenal’s recruitment throughout the summer, but the final hours of the window are now likely to be dominated by negotiations above him.
The Gunners remain interested in Atletico Madrid forward Alvarez despite the Argentina international preferring a move to Barcelona.
The Guardian reports Arsenal are still attempting to persuade Alvarez to return to the Premier League after agreeing deals to sell Martinelli, Jesus and Vieira for more than £70million combined.
Arteta has already personally attempted to convince the striker, with Read Arsenal covering Arsenal’s refusal to give up on Alvarez after Arteta’s personal plea.
However, another option has now emerged.
Arsenal are also considering a deadline-day move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, with the 21-year-old having spoken to Arteta about a possible switch.
Read Arsenal has more on Arsenal’s late move for Malick Fofana.
The Independent reports Arsenal have tracked Fofana for some time and could take advantage of Lyon’s need to raise funds after missing out on Champions League football.
Arsenal still have one attacking decision to make
Arteta’s comments do not confirm that another signing will arrive.
They do, however, underline that Arsenal’s work is not necessarily finished.
Speaking before the Villa game, the Spaniard had refused to discuss Alvarez directly and stressed that he would not comment publicly on players contracted to other clubs.
The situation has now reached its final hours.
Martinelli’s expected departure leaves Christos Tzolis among Arsenal’s natural left-sided options, while Jesus’ move to Barcelona would further reduce the number of experienced forwards in Arteta’s squad.
That does not mean Arsenal must force another deal.
But Fofana represents a potentially attainable opportunity, while Alvarez remains the blockbuster option if his position changes.
Arsenal’s transfer hierarchy now has until 11pm BST on Tuesday to decide whether either deal is worth pursuing to completion. The Premier League summer transfer window closes at that time.
For Arteta, the focus has already shifted back to the pitch after two wins from Arsenal’s opening two Premier League matches.
For those “upstairs”, deadline day is only just beginning.
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