2) Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad)
A further £24m will go on activating the release clause of a truly outstanding talent in Antoine Griezmann. The French international was a stand-out performer in La Liga last season, scoring 20 goals for Real Sociedad and emerging as a transfer target for top clubs all around Europe, including Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea. Still, the 23-year-old has expressed a desire to work with Arsene Wenger over other managers, which looks to have edged talks in the Gunners’ favour. A few finishing touches on his contract are still to be agreed, but Griezmann is also set to complete his medical at the Emirates Stadium and be unveiled sometime next week.