Arsenal simply can’t pass up on the opportunity to sign a generational talent showing the same kind of potential as Declan Rice this summer.
Mikel Arteta is faced with a tough decisions right now – it’s never seemed more difficult for the Arsenal manager to decide where his funds should be spent.
Most pundits and fans believe that a goal-scoring striker should be signed, a drum that has been banging since the Arsene Wenger days.
Perhaps Arteta agrees, hence the club’s interest in signing Newcastle’s United’s Alexander Isak.
That being said, Bruno Guimaraes is also thought to be a target, signalling a different direction the window could head in.
Arsenal no longer have an issue with their goal-scoring, and perhaps their biggest opportunity to improve is making the most out of their transitions.
Thomas Partey’s passing range was superb as ever during the run-in, but his injury record should lead to a summer exit.
And given the options available this summer, Leeds United’s Archie Gray should be Arsenal’s absolute priority.
Leeds’ Archie Gray could solve two different positions for Arsenal this summer
Following Leeds’ loss to Southampton at Wembley, it would be wrong to say Gray is ‘available’, a player who loves his hometown club, but that shouldn’t deter Arsenal.
Leeds need to sell players this summer, and although they may prefer to do that through either Crysencio Summerville or Wilfired Gnonto, Arsenal must test the waters for Gray.
At 18-years-old, Gray has an aura and stature that hasn’t been seen since Rice’s emergence at West Ham United.
Playing at both right-back and central midfield this season for Daniel Farke, the youngster could solve two issues for Arsenal.
Firstly, Gray could dovetail with Ben White when needed, allowing the England international a rest, and also freeing him up play centrally.
William Saliba doesn’t have adequate cover right now, but Gray’s arrival could even help in that respect as explained.
Similarly, Gray would just be useful in the middle of Arsenal’s midfield, perhaps in addition to another new signing.
Pep Guardiola’s future could be good news for Hale End
Gray wouldn’t be the finished product immediately, but is destined to reach the very top of the Premier League.
Right now there’s a ton of pressure for Arsenal to be perfect to match Manchester City, meaning young players don’t often get a chance.
But with Pep Guardiola reportedly set to leave next summer, could Arsenal then afford a better focus on developing the next generation?
If so, then securing a deal for Archie Gray this summer would seem a clever move, even if it meant loaning him back to Leeds for a season.
All that being said, TBR Football can exclusively share what Newcastle have now been telling Bruno Guimaeres about his future amid interest from Arsenal.