Arsenal chiefs hatch summer transfer plan amid Alexander Isak interest

Arsenal chiefs will head to the United States this week to discuss future transfer plans with the Kroenke family, according to the latest reports.

Sky Sports claims the Gunners executives will have sit down talks, focussing on next summer's transfer window, but also discuss how the club will move forward after Edu Gaspar's resignation earlier this month. Tim Lewis and Richard Garlick are likely to head to the States, while new director of football operations James King could, too.

The sporting director will leave the Emirates after five years at the club, having returned in a senior position after hanging up his boots. "This was an incredibly hard decision to make," Edu said in a club statement.

"Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club's history. I've loved working with so many great colleagues across our men's, women's and academy teams, especially Mikel [Arteta], who has become a great friend.

"Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best."

Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke said added: "We respect Edu's decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward. "Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.

"Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition."

The Kroenke family had earmarked the current international break as an ideal opportunity to discuss Edu's long-term successor at the club, with plans for January also on the agenda for the meeting this week Mikel Arteta's side are currently in fourth place in the Premier League, nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool following their recent 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

The Gunners have had to deal with their fair share of injury problems so far this season, but the decision not to bring in a centre--forward last summer looks as though it'll come back to bite them. Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak and Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, with both Swedish strikers in a rich vein of form.

Reports from TBR Football claim Isak is unlikely to be following in the footsteps of Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon in signing a new deal with the Magpies, which could open the door for Arsenal. The striker, who has scored 40 times in 78 games, including four in his last four games, is under contract until the summer of 2028 and would still command a hefty asking price.

It remains to be seen whether or not the Gunners will spend big in the upcoming January transfer window, given they, like many others in the top flight, will have to comply with the Premier League's PSR rules. Edu's assistant, Jason Ayto, will step up while the Brazilian director serves a six-month period of gardening leave, before linking up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

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