By James Cormack
Arsenal's improvement under Mikel Arteta is undeniable. but now they must figure out how to make the final leap.
The Gunners recorded their highest Premier League points tally since the Invincibles campaign of 2003/04 last season having enjoyed a 25-point hike in 2022/23 from the campaign prior. Arsenal's evolution has been pretty remarkable, with the club's recruitment playing a key role in their rise under the Spaniard.
Edu and Arteta's work on the transfer front has got Arsenal into a position where they can compete fiercely with Manchester City, but there's still work to be done if they're to usurp them in 2024/25 - potentially Pep Guardiola's final season in the Premier League.
The Gunners' squad is strong and Arteta was reliant on a select few down the stretch last season, but there are areas to build upon and bolster.
Positions Arsenal need to strengthen this summer
Striker was the overwhelming priority in the winter window, but Arsenal's financial constraints meant their hands were tied.
Fortunately, Kai Havertz emerged during the second half of the season as a legitimate option up top for Arteta, with the German's productive run of form begging the question of whether the Gunners' summer priorities had shifted.
However, Arsenal are still expected to acquire a number nine ahead of the 2024/25 season, but Havertz's ability to lead the line superbly means the Gunners don't necessarily need the finished product. They could sign a forward with room to develop and grow.
In addition, the club are set to spend big in midfield, although the exact profile they're after isn't yet clear. Arteta will want a multi-faceted option, but their priority target will depend on whether they view Declan Rice as their long-term six or eight.
Cover will be required behind David Raya if Aaron Ramsdale departs as expected, while Bukayo Saka still needs stronger competition. A move for a left-sided defender was explored in January, and Arsenal will likely revisit that possibility this summer despite Jurrien Timber's return from a long-term injury.
Arsenal's confirmed transfer targets
Arsenal have been linked with an array of forwards, and 21-year-old international Benjamin Sesko appeared to be the one most attainable. But the Slovenian's new RB Leipzig contract has thrown a spanner in the works, meaning the Gunners will need to look elsewhere.
Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, and Ivan Toney have been discussed as options, but a move for Newcastle's Alexander Isak appears unlikely. The same goes for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
Arsenal have a long-standing interest inMartin Zubimendi and could come in for the Spaniard this summer given their midfield needs. The Spaniard is content at Real Sociedad, though, with the player previously noting his desire to work under Xabi Alonso again.Youssouf Fofana, Amadou Onana and Joao Neves are other names to keep an eye on.
Pedro Neto and Nico Williams have been touted as possibilities should Arsenal attempt to acquire greater depth in wide areas, while young Ajax defender Jorrel Hato remains of interest but he only recently signed a contract extension in the Dutch capital.
Arsenal transfer rumours
- Andriy Lunin is continuing to deliberate over his Real Madrid future and has received an offer to join Arsenal. (Date: 12th June; Source: Cadena COPE - Spain)
- Arsenal have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Spurs academy graduate Marcus Edwards, who now plays for Sporting CP. (Date: 11th June; Source: O Jogo - Portugal)
- Fabio Vieira intends to leave Arsenal this summer after growing frustrated with his limited minutes. (Date: 10th June; Source: A Bola - Portugal)
- Arsenal are seeking a guaranteed fee of £40m to part ways with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale this summer. (Date: 10th June; Source: The Sun)
- Arsenal are not interested in signing Amadou Onana from Everton and have been surprised by reports linking them to the midfielder as he is not the profile of player they are looking to bring in. (Date: 8th June; Source: Daily Mirror)
- Having been rejected by Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal are ready to rival Manchester United for the signature of Benfica's Joao Neves. (Date: 7th June; Source: Record - Portugal)
- Arsenal have identified Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz as their preferred replacement for Thomas Partey, with a £60m bid expected to be enough to get a deal done.(Date: 6th June; Source: Tutto Juve - Italy)
- Arsenal are ready to battle AC Milan for the signing of Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov, who played a starring role for the Catalan side as they booked a place in next season's Champions League. (Date: 5th June; Source: SPORT - Spain)
- Napoli striker Victor Osimhen believes Arsenal will make an attempt to sign him this summer, while he could receive a fresh approach from the Saudi Pro League. Incoming Napoli manager Antonio Conte is already planning for life without the Nigeria international. (Date: 3rd June; Source: Gazzetta dello Sport - Italy)
Who Arsenal could sell this summer
Arsenal are unlikely to be as restrained this summer as they were in January, but with Arteta keen to streamline his squad, the Gunners will have to oversee some sort of clear-out.
VeteransCedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny have already moved on, but there's plenty of work still left to do. Arsenal must consider the futures of returning loanees, with the likes of Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares, and Albert Sambi Lokonga unlikely to be retained for 2024/25 and beyond. Permanent sales will be sought.
Emile Smith Rowe is attracting interest and is a player the Gunners could garner a decent fee for. Fellow Hale End graduates Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are also on the chopping block.
Depending on incomings, Arsenal could also listen to offers for Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Arsenal transfer targets: Who the Gunners are looking to sign this summer.
