Arsenal will focus their attentions on keeping Martin Odegaard at the club beyond next season, with Nabil Fekir not expected to be arriving at Emirates Stadium.
As reported by football.london on Saturday, Odegaard has told those close to him that he would like to stay at Arsenal beyond the end of this season.
Fekir, who has been linked with Arsenal in previous seasons, almost joined Liverpool in the summer of 2019 but his history of knee injuries and agent demands ended up scuppering the deal.
Now plying his trade for Real Betis in Spain, the 27-year-old has recently switched agent and courted interest from clubs across Europe, although football.london has learned that the Gunners’ interest is ‘tentative’ and unlikely to be pursued this summer.
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He has scored three goals and recorded six La Liga assists for Betis this season, following on from seven league goals and as many assists last campaign.
However, technical director Edu alongside new head of football Richard Garlick will be tasked with bolstering the full-back positions, as well as pursuing a loan extension for Odegaard.
The 22-year-old has impressed during his loan spell from Real Madrid so far, scoring important goals against Olympiacos and Tottenham and putting in a domineering display as the Gunners came back from three goals down to draw with West Ham on Sunday.
“I have felt at home since the first day,” he said after the 3-1 victory over Olympiacos in the Europa League Round of 16 first leg.
“I am happy to be here and I feel great so I’m very pleased to be a part of the team.”
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Arsenal recently announced a loss of £47.8 million for the financial year 2019/20 and are unlikely to be able to afford a similar fee to what they paid for Thomas Partey last summer.
Several departures are expected and players including Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are heading into the final year of their contracts.