Arsenal really like Axel Disasi and Orkun Kokcu, but the current financial situation will make deals for both players difficult.

Speaking in a recent YouTube Q&A, Goal journalist Charles Watts confirmed Arsenal ‘really like’ both Axel Disasi of Reims and Orkun Kokcu of Feyenoord. However, the current pandemic could have a huge impact on both potential deals.

“Axel Disasi over in France, they really like him,” Watts began. “He’d be relatively cheap, but even still, I’m just not sure. These were players they probably would’ve looked to have brought in.

“Orkun Kokcu at Feyenoord, young attacking midfielder, a player they really like, a player they’ve watched a lot this season. Available at about £20m.

“Before the whole pandemic, before the whole money well just ran dry, they were deals that Arsenal would’ve been able to do. Or that you certainly hope they would’ve been able to do. But now, just not so sure, money is going to be really, really tight.”

Watts goes on to add that obviously the situation will be different if the season restarts and Arsenal make the Champions League. That would leave the club in a much better financial position. However, as things stand, the Gunners wouldn’t be able to do much.

Neither of these names came from nowhere. David Ornstein recently claimed Arsenal are tracking Disasi, whilst Kokcu is reportedly pushing for a move after his head coach seemingly confirmed interest from the Gunners.

Centre-back and central midfield are definitely two areas to focus on this summer. These would be relatively cheap deals for up-and-coming players not already at elite clubs, which is usually Arsenal’s signing profile.

Under normal circumstances, you’d expect the transfers to be relatively straightforward. Unfortunately, these aren’t normal circumstances, and I don’t think anyone will know how likely they are for a while yet.