Arsenal look set for a busy summer of signings and sales, and some popular players may end up departing as Mikel Arteta looks to upgrade his squad.
The Gunners finished two points behind Manchester City in what was a strong campaign overall, and they look set to challenge for the title again.
One thing that may have cost Arsenal in the race was a lack of rotation, and upgrading the backup options in the squad may be a priority. With this in mind, Arteta may have to pick between Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe as advanced midfielders.
Thomas Partey could also leave, with a new defensive midfielder being targeted, but one signing may end up leading to the departures of all three players at the same time.
Arsenal are interested in Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra
A report from TEAMTALK has now revealed that Arsenal are “showing significant interest in Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, alongside Manchester United.
The 20-year-old has stood out since breaking through into the first-team last year, making 50 appearances for the La Liga side.
Guerra made himself a club hero last year when he came on in a one-minute cameo, but scored a stunning injury-time winner against Real Valladolid, in a game which ultimately saved Valencia’s place in the top-flight.
How Javi Guerra could fit in at Arsenal at the expense of other midfielders
Guerra has played across several midfield roles, including as the deepest midfielder as well as the most advanced.
He excels with the ball at his feet, ranking in the top 7% of European midfielders for successful take-ons, and this makes him a more press-resistant midfield option than Partey, who has been targeted in recent games as a result of his reduced mobility.
Guerra has also scored five goals in a team which often struggles for them, and his wand of a left foot could see him play a more attacking role, but one which Fabio Vieira would perhaps think is his spot to gain.
With Guerra reportedly available at a cut-price £25m, Arsenal may seize the opportunity to capture a top talent, but there may not be room in the squad for him, Smith Rowe and Vieira at the same time, so if he does arrive, it will make an exit for at least one of these three players inevitable.