Time is running out for Arsenal to bolster their first-team squad even further.
But whilst the summer transfer window shuts in just under three weeks, there’s another deadline that Gunners manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu will be aware of ahead of the start of the new Premier League season.
And that is the player registration deadline, something that could affect the north London outfit should they make a fourth signing in the coming hours.
At the moment, Arsenal‘s three summer signings in Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ben White will all be eligible to make their competitive debuts against newly-promoted Brentford on Friday night.
Although, there is still a chance that there could be a fourth Arsenal debutant in west London if Edu can wrap up another deal in record time.
The Gunners are being linked with moves for the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, James Maddison, Martin Odegaard, Lautaro Martinez and Tammy Abraham just to name a few.
Now, it seems highly unlikely that any of the aforementioned players will join Arsenal before the trip to Brentford, but if, for example, a deal can be agreed for Maddison, he would have an – albeit slim – chance of making his debut against the Bees.
However, only on one condition.
As per the Premier League regulations, the Gunners would have to register the 24-year-old by 12 noon on Thursday 12 August for him to be available for selection.
A statement reads: “Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the board of all duly completed documents required by these rules to effect the registration of a player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first league match in which the club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the player is eligible to play for a club in a league match).”
As reported by football.london last month, Arteta is an admirer of Maddison as he looks to inject his squad with some much-needed creativity, but it is understood that negotiations between Arsenal and Leicester City are ‘very slow’ and ‘like a game of chess’.
The good news for the Gunners is that Maddison is reportedly keen on a move to north London, but a sticking point regarding a deal is the Foxes’ demands of at least £60m.
As a result, Edu is exploring cheaper options in the market in the event that a deal cannot be completed before the August 31 deadline.