Arsenal's surprise next transfer priority revealed, it hinges on key first-team departure

Arsenal’s next transfer priority could hinge on a key first-team departure.

As the season edges ever closer, teams are scrambling around in order to get their squad ready for another long and tough season.

For Arsenal, they have so far brought in Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.

However, Mikel Arteta may not be done yet as he is targeting one more signing.

For that to happen, the Gunners will have to first sell one of their first team players.

According to The Independent, Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is attracting interest from West Ham United and French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.

Arsenal are set to be holding out for a fee of £40 million in order to part ways with the 22-year-old.

It has been claimed that Arsenal are hoping to make at least one significant sale in order to bring in a new midfielder.

Arteta is believed to want to add more variety to his midfield options.

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Arsenal kicked off the 23/24 season in fine fashion after winning the FA Community Shield against Manchester City on penalties.

After the match, a jubilant Arteta said: “I’m extremely happy, proud and relieved at the same time, because it doesn’t get any better than winning at Wembley in front of your fans and playing the best team in the world. Winning it the way we did it, I’m extremely happy.

“It was incredible, obviously in an empty stadium it feels good, but just seeing the happiness in their faces, how they were interacting and connecting with the players is just great.”

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He added: “The energy is great, the positivity around the place, you feel the happiness around everybody at the club. Let’s enjoy the day and then tomorrow, let’s go back to work because on Saturday, it will be a very different, but very tough match as well.”

Arsenal will now begin their 23/24 Premier League campaign on Saturday as they take on Nottingham Forest.