Meanwhile, while Oliver was in training camp, a meeting was being held in the conference room at Colney Training Centre to finalize Arsenal's transfer arrangements for the current season. Manager Wenger sat at the head of the conference table, his fingers habitually intertwined, his gaze sweeping over a dense list and several financial reports behind his glasses.
The head of the scouting team and several club executives sat on either side. The core agenda of the meeting was clear: after securing Oliver in a record-breaking yet unexpectedly "affordable" manner, thus securing their attacking future, how should Arsenal's new season squad be further built?
Ample funds provided them with a rare operational space.
"Alright, gentlemen, let's clarify the current situation," said Finance Director Venkat, pointing to the numbers on the screen. "Thanks to the willingness of Hoffenheim and Oliver himself, our initial payment was only 30 million pounds. The original budget of 158 million pounds for him now has 120 million pounds actually available for subsequent operations. This provides us with a very, very good opportunity."
The Professor nodded slightly, pleased with the outcome. He said, "As you've all heard, funding is no longer a major issue this season, but we must maximize the effectiveness of our existing funds. This means two directions: first, thoroughly clear out redundant players to free up salary space and add to the transfer fund pool; second, make targeted, high-quality additions based on the team's overall tactical structure."
He pushed an internal evaluation list to the center of the table.
"This is the list of players to be cleared that I, the technical director, the financial director, and the assistant coach have discussed multiple times. Please take a look at this."
Everyone in the conference room looked at the list:
• Mkhitaryan (midfielder/winger): Affected by injuries, significant decline in form, high salary.
• Welbeck (forward): Low attendance, insufficient finishing efficiency.
• Mustafi (center-back): Poor stability, high error rate.
• Wilshere (midfielder): Plagued by injuries, difficult to guarantee consistent form.
• Chambers (center-back/right-back): Inconsistent performance, fierce positional competition.
• Elneny (defensive midfielder): Low in the pecking order, limited contribution.
Finance Director Venkat added, "Based on their age, remaining contract years, and market interest, our preliminary assessment is that if we can successfully transfer them, we could recover approximately 30 million pounds, which would bring our total available funds to nearly 150 million pounds."
"This goal needs to be pursued immediately," Wenger said firmly. "We cannot allow players who cannot provide continuous high-value contributions to the team to occupy valuable registration spots and salary budget. Especially the salary budget."
He paused here, his gaze becoming sharper.
"This directly relates to the quality and competitiveness of the players we acquire next, so the clearing work during this transfer window must be efficient."
Following this, the Professor put forward his thoughts on adjusting the goalkeeper position.
"Based on last season's performance and subsequent evaluations, I believe we can promote internally for the goalkeeper position. Martínez has shown stability, improvement, and competitive spirit during his loan spell at Getafe, giving us reason to give him a chance. So, for the new season, I plan to make Da Martin our first-choice goalkeeper. Ospina is experienced and perfectly capable and reliable as a second-choice goalkeeper. This adjustment also saves us funds for acquiring a new goalkeeper. At the same time, Čech is also not young, but he is experienced, so he can temporarily serve as a goalkeeper coach."
After the Professor finished speaking, everyone nodded frequently, and this decision received general approval from the attendees.
However, when the topic calmed down slightly, a heavy, unavoidable name was brought up—Mesut Özil.
Someone asked with a difficult tone:
"Boss about Özil's situation… we need a more concrete plan. He is currently the highest-paid player in the team, with a weekly salary of 350,000 pounds, which puts too much pressure on our entire salary structure. The most troublesome thing is that he just renewed his contract for two years in the last winter transfer window…"
The atmosphere in the conference room instantly became a few shades heavier. Wenger frowned slightly, his fingers tapping the table unconsciously. Özil's situation was indeed a difficult problem. His high salary, recently renewed contract, and the gap between his on-field contribution and expectations all put the club in a dilemma.
Direct termination? Arsenal would suffer immense financial loss. Direct termination would mean Arsenal would have to pay over 20 million pounds in compensation to the player himself, a huge loss with no return, undoubtedly the worst option. After a few seconds of silence, Wenger said emphatically:
"Özil must leave this summer. We cannot let him continue to occupy such salary space and tactical position. His situation is different from the others; it requires… more proactive operational methods." He looked at the sporting director responsible for player transfers,
"We must take the initiative, use all possible channels and connections to contact potential buyers. Even if we have to bear a portion of his salary, or pay a small agent commission to facilitate the transfer, it's better than keeping him or forcing a termination. The goal is to find a buyer who can take on most of the contract burden, whether it's Turkey, the Middle East, MLS, K League, or J League."
Arsene's words revealed helplessness, but more so, a determination to resolve the issue. Özil was the biggest but also the most troublesome hard nut to crack in this clear-out. Having resolved the heavy expenditure issue, the focus of the meeting finally shifted to the more anticipated segment: player acquisitions. The atmosphere of the meeting also livened up slightly.
"Alright, let's put the outgoing transfers aside for now. The next topic is our new transfer targets for this season."
The head of the scouting team took over, operating the projector, and the screen displayed the names of several core targets after multiple rounds of screening.
"We need to improve the creativity and control of our midfield." Wenger first set the tone. "Oliver's attacking ability will change the mode of our front-line attack, so we need a more reliable midfield engine to support him and connect the entire offense and defense."
Professor Wenger continued.
"Regarding improving midfield control and creativity, I want to tell you about a target I've discovered."
Wenger pointed to a name on the screen.
"Martin Ødegaard, Norwegian nationality, Real Madrid academy player, 19 years old. He was on loan from Real Madrid to Heerenveen in the Eredivisie last season, and his stats don't look particularly impressive. But scouting reports indicate that the problems stem more from positional arrangement and system incompatibility."
A scout immediately took over from the Professor:
"Indeed, Professor's analysis is very accurate. Heerenveen often deployed Ødegaard on the wing, but that's not Ødegaard's core area. His true value lies in a central attacking midfield position. His excellent left-foot technique, expansive vision, and surgical through balls are his most powerful weapons. At Real Madrid, Ødegaard faces experienced midfield players like Kroos, Modric, Isco, Casemiro, and Llorente. The competition is too fierce, with almost no chance to break through, and this is an opportunity for us."
"Exactly," Professor Wenger continued, "I am confident I can train this kid well; he needs trust and proper guidance. Moreover, Norway is a member of the European Economic Area, so Ødegaard does not have any work permit issues. Most importantly," the Professor showed a slightly more relaxed expression, "Real Madrid's valuation of Ødegaard will not be too high because Ødegaard has not even appeared in a top League yet, and the lack of playing time will depress his valuation. Furthermore, Real Madrid is currently open to loaning or transferring Ødegaard. My estimation is that for around 4 million pounds, not exceeding 7 million pounds, we can bring him to Emirates Stadium. This would be a good deal."
Ødegaard had caught the Professor's attention. Next was the second name: James Maddison — Norwich City.
The head of the scouting team said: "This is a target we have been observing for a long time. He possesses exquisite technique, is left-footed, plays as an attacking midfielder or wide attacking midfielder, has expansive vision, strong set-piece ability, the capacity to deliver the final pass, and a powerful long-range shot. His performance in the Championship has proven his potential. Crucially, the price is relatively controllable. Norwich City failed to get promoted and needs funds for rebuilding. We estimate that an agreement could be reached for around 25 million pounds." The scout explained in detail.
Wenger nodded slightly; this young man fit his vision for a technical attacking midfielder and would face less pressure adapting to the Premier League. The third name appeared: Rodri — Villarreal.
"We need to improve the defensive midfield position's solidity and ball-playing ability. Rodri is a discovery we have been tracking in Spain for a long time. He is tall and strong, has excellent positional sense, and outstanding interception ability. More importantly, he possesses the quality to control the ball under pressure, escape, and accurately deliver the ball to the midfield and attack, which is not an ability all defensive midfielders have."
The head scout pointed to the data,
"Rodri is currently a Spain U21 international and has already played at a starting level in La Liga. Villarreal is not a powerhouse, and their asking price is roughly around 25 million pounds. We are confident we can get it done. A work permit is also not an issue."
Wenger had watched Rodri play, and he was exactly the kind of player he envisioned to replace the aging defensive midfielders and become a new cornerstone: a technical deep-lying playmaker. The screen then displayed the fourth, and potentially largest budget-consuming, target: João Cancelo — Valencia.
"The right-back position is our obvious weakness. Bellerín's progress has slowed, and he's just returned from injury this season. Cancelo, the Portugal international, is excellent in both attack and defense, fast, with precise crosses, strong assist capabilities, and increasingly solid defense. Cancelo can play both left and right-back, making him a versatile player. His technical characteristics perfectly align with the manager's requirement for full-backs to integrate into the attacking system."
The scout paused, then raised his voice slightly,
"But to sign him, we face competition. Juventus is also very interested in Cancelo and has already contacted Valencia. This will certainly lead to a bidding war. However, Valencia is in a tight financial situation and has a strong desire to sell. Our assessment is that if we are determined to secure him, the final transfer fee will likely fall in the £45 million range. Although a bit expensive, it can completely solve our defensive solidity issue for at least five years, and his work permit is not an issue as he is a key player for the Portugal National Team."
This amount caused the air in the meeting room to cool slightly, but seeing Wenger's contemplative expression, which showed approval, everyone understood that for a top target, it was worth the investment. The last name was somewhat unexpected: Achraf Hakimi—still a Real Madrid youth player.
"Manager, this is our Plan B, or to some extent, it might even be Plan A+," the scout introduced.
"The bidding for Cancelo is fierce, the price is high, and Juve's desire is strong. We simultaneously contacted Real Madrid about the possibility of Achraf. This young Moroccan right-back has exceptional physical qualities, astonishing speed and explosiveness, and immense attacking prowess. Although his technique and defensive experience are still being refined, his potential is huge. In the 2017-18 season, due to Carvajal's excellent performance at right-back, Real Madrid does not plan to include Achraf in the first-team regular rotation this summer."
"Originally, Real Madrid was inclined to loan him to Borussia Dortmund during the summer window, and Achraf himself had a tacit agreement. But we expressed a strong desire to loan him, and," he emphasized the most crucial point, "We presented Real Madrid with a proposal that includes an optional buy-out clause. The possibility of this 'buy-out' has made Real Madrid pause their preliminary agreement with Borussia Dortmund and they are seriously considering our proposal." This news sparked a hint of excitement in the meeting room.
Acquiring such a super-prospect directly from Real Madrid, even if it's just a loan with a potential buy-out, is more valuable than a simple loan.
"Furthermore, Achraf holds a Spanish passport, so he also doesn't need to worry about work permit regulations," the scout continued to explain.
Manager Wenger took over from the scout and said, "Alright, if that's the case, then we'll have a lot less to worry about. A blessing in disguise, whether it's Cancelo or Achraf, both are excellent choices. We will continue to push forward with both lines simultaneously."
Wenger also finalized the strategy for the loan-plus-buyout of Achraf. As the discussion wound down, Wenger's gaze swept over a report on the youth team, and a name on it caught his eye: Bukayo Saka.
The manager's face showed the most gentle, even kindly, smile of the meeting.
"Gentlemen, have we forgotten that we have a treasure in our own backyard?" Wenger smiled as he looked at everyone.
"Saka, lad's born in 2001, even a year younger than Oliver."
The manager flipped through Bukayo Saka's statistics report from the youth and reserve teams.
"Look at his breakthrough ability on the left flank, his creativity. His progress has been immense, and he performed very impressively in several reserve team matches last season."
The manager put down the report and joked humorously: "This young lad named Bukayo Saka isn't even 18 yet, but he's doing a great job on the left flank. He's selfish with the ball but loves to help his teammates, and sometimes even sacrifices his own goals. He's very well-liked in the team. In the new season, it's time for him to join the first team and get a taste of real competition, instead of always staying in the youth team's greenhouse."
The manager looked around at everyone and stated his plan: "I plan to give Saka some playing opportunities in the new season, in cup games, League matches, etc., and even a spot on the bench for some key matches, to let him experience and grow. If he develops quickly, I wouldn't mind promoting him directly to a first-team regular."
Then, the manager's gaze drifted, seemingly already envisioning the scene on the training ground.
"Moreover, Oliver and I have talked many times. You've also seen his information and matches from Hoffenheim. Not only is he skilled, but he also has a good personality, is well-liked, and has high emotional and football intelligence. Oliver and Saka will definitely get along. It's perfect for Ollie to mentor Bukayo Saka, discussing positioning and skills in training, and sharing experiences in life. He is fully capable of this, and at the same time, it will allow him to quickly build his network within the first team."
Manager Wenger even considered Oliver's future at Arsenal. By doing this, he was also helping Oliver form his own inner circle within the team, making Oliver feel a greater sense of belonging to Arsenal. At least in the club in the future, Oliver will already have someone to speak up for him, and that person's position will be convincing enough. Once Saka successfully joins the England National Team in the future, Oliver will have another insider in the national team. This is beneficial for the growth of both Oliver and Saka.
The people in the meeting room imagined the scene the manager described: in the new season, Arsenal's frontline suddenly featured a Gen Z attacking duo known for their vitality, speed, and skill. Manager Wenger's final words were like a decisive hammer blow.
"In short, money must be spent wisely, clear-outs must be decisive, and positions that need strengthening must be addressed correctly. But more importantly, don't forget to cultivate your own seeds. The Gooners in the new season need experience, but even more, they need the impetus and hope brought by fresh blood."
He repeated the two names, "Oliver and Rodri, I am very much looking forward to the performance of these two young lads."
At the end of the meeting, Wenger stood up and adjusted his suit vest.
"Alright, gentlemen, the direction of transfer work is clear. Sanllehi, you need to quickly push forward with negotiations for selling surplus players, and at the same time, initiate contact with potential buyers for Özil. The earlier, the more proactive we can be. Regarding transfer targets, Ødegaard and Rodri have relatively higher priority, and their expected fees are more reasonable, so negotiations can be initiated early. For Madison, continue to monitor Norwich's movements. For Cancelo and Achraf, proceed on both fronts in parallel, maintaining close communication and tracking progress. As for Saka, immediately list him in the new season's official registration roster."
The manager paused, then continued.
"The World Cup is less than two weeks away, gentlemen. Time is pressing. This summer window, we must ensure every decision is precise and efficient. For the new season, for Arsenal's future, let's get to work."
"Yes, Boss."
"Understood."
Everyone responded, packing up their documents, ready to dive into work immediately. Arsenal's path to rebuilding, accompanied by the pain of clear-outs and the hope of new signings, thus began.
...
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