Arsenal are closing in on the signings of Ben White from Brighton and Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht.

After a few weeks of quietness, which made the Gunners faithful nervy, the news of Lokonga’s imminent announcement and Arsenal’s agreement with Brighton over White was welcomed by supporters with open arms.

Their summer squad rebuild finally looks to be underway, as the squad prepares themselves for the Florida Cup in the United States.

Lokonga announcement is imminent; while White will be unveiled when he returns from his holidays

Arsenal are working to announce both Sambi Lokonga and Ben White signings in the next days. Lokonga already at paperworks signed stages, Ben White will complete the process in the next days. Both deal are almost done. ⚪️🔴 #AFC

Everton have never made an official bid for White. https://t.co/H9rCi2RfE5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2021

It’s clear that the Gunners are in dire need of fresh reinforcements. Their Scotland trip was a testament of how the current team looked so similar to the one which finished eighth in the league for two successive seasons.

Nuno Tavares is the only player who has walked through the door, and his appearance and goal against Scottish champions Rangers was a breath of fresh air.

🔴 Full-time: 2-2 🔴

Same old story really. A failure to take chances cost Arsenal what should have been a comfortable win. Conceding twice from corners will be a worry.

Some bright performances though, Smith Rowe, Partey, Tavares, Nelson after he came on.#AFC #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/JDp0CCw3CS

— Arsenal Fans Network (@Real_Arsedevils) July 17, 2021

His signing is expected to be followed by Lokonga and then White. However, it is not just the incoming front that technical director Edu will have his eyes on. It will be outgoings too.

Arsenal have a bloated squad of underwhelming and soon-to-be out-of-contract players. That definitely needs tending because further additions depend on their ability to raise funds through player sales.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal want to make seven new additions to their current squad. After Ben White (who looks set to sign) Sambi Lokonga, its Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale who leads their list of priorities.

While some fans will have reservations about whether the latter England international is “good enough” to play for Arsenal, their need for a backup goalkeeper who can replace Bernd Leno in the long run is very clear.

Ramsdale’s ability to have a commanding presence in the six-yard-box, being good at the feet, young and homegrown factors are the things that appeal to the North London outfit.

David Ornstein was on Sky Sports duty to talk about Arsenal

However, The Blades’ asking price is turning out to be a sticking point, They are believed to be asking a considerably higher fee than the 18 million they spent on him just an year ago. Thus, the Ramsdale saga would be interesting to keep an eye on, especially when Arsenal have thrown admiring glances at his international teammate Sam Johnstone too.

The London outfit can all but put a tick on the box of centre-back, backup left-back, and defensive midfielder. If they sign either of Ramsdale or Johnstone, that will leave them with only three positions: right-back, another central midfielder and central attacking midfielder.

The right-back slot is the place where there needs to be a sale before Arsenal go out to buy a new one. Hector Bellerin is currently in talks with Italian giants and current champions Inter Milan. But the Nerazzurri have indicated reluctance to meet Arsenal’s asking price of £20 million.

Arsenal have a long summer ahead

✅ Tavares

🔜 Lokonga
🔜 Ben White

❓ Ramsdale
❓ Locatelli

Latest on Arsenal’s transfer business with @amylawrence71 for @TheAthleticUK #AFChttps://t.co/KGOXc8SD4z

— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) July 17, 2021

Whereas, Arsenal’s main target for the attacking midfield berth looks to be Leicester City’s James Maddison. Acquiring the services of the 24-year-old, who grew up supporting Arsenal, at the moment is a  far-fetched idea due to the fee that will be required to entice him away from the King Power Stadium.

So, Arsenal fans’ dreams of seeing the Englishman on their “carpet” can take a back seat for the moment.

Related Arsenal Transfer News : 

• Tavares Deal Looks to be Incredibly Savvy; Here is What Arsenal Fans Can Expect From Their New Signing
• Patrick Vieira Eyes Highly Rated Arsenal Striker For a Cut-price Deal; Should Arsenal Sell Him This Summer ?
• No room for Houssem Aouar in the Arteta Rebuild; Why Arsenal Need to Abandon Their Pursuit for Aouar

Manuel Locatelli is the player who has attracted the most buzz. The 23-year-old had an exceptional European Championships and the Gunners have already submitted a bid of around 40 million. However, the Sassuolo man’s first preference is Italian giants Juventus.

As a consequence, the four-time Premier League winners will have to play a waiting game. And maybe that’s an uphill battle that they are expected to lose. But the club will certainly not give up their cards just now, because a patient approach is better than no approach at all.

It will be interesting to see how the team will look like when the transfer window shuts on August 31st. I am expecting at least three more changes in the first-team squad, after Ben White and Sambi Lokonga announcements. .

There is a lot of work that needs to be done behind the scenes and as the Premier League campaign edges closer with every passing day, the nail-biting supporters is a picture that will become a common theme in the coming weeks, if the club do not make strides with their other targets.

Keep following AD for all the latest Arsenal transfer news and updates.