To strengthen his Arsenal squad this summer, Mikel Arteta is thought to be considering a move for several Premier League players.
In deals for Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya last summer, Arsenal proved that they are more than happy to recruit domestically.
Both Rice and Raya were starring for their respective London clubs before signing, and Havertz was playing for a fierce rival – but that didn’t stop Edu and his team.
Of course, buying in the Premier League does offer a certain guarantee, and Arsenal would seem smart to repeat that success.
In terms of targets playing their football in England, perhaps Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Pedro Neto are the most long-term, two targets Arteta and Edu seem to align on.
Perhaps both could be of interest again this summer, especially given Arsenal have just been quoted a discounted price for Luiz.
However, Arsenal’s predominant interest seems to be further north on Tyneside.
If reports are to be believed, Arteta would love to sign Newcastle United pair Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle worried Arsenal and Man City target Bruno Guimaraes will leave
It wouldn’t be realistic for Arsenal to sign Isak and Guimaraes in the same window, and perhaps Isak has ruled out a move to Arsenal himself.
Although, given his release clause, a move for his Brazilian teammate is possible for clubs interested, even if Arsenal would be reluctant to pay £100m for Guimaraes.
That being said, Newcastle are becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ that Manchester City will trigger that clause, leaving them powerless to stop Guimaraes departing.
That’s according to The Northern Echo, who claim that Man City are now most likely to sign the Brazilian this month.
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have been deterred by Guimaraes’ asking price according to this information, which could pave the way for Pep Guardiola’s outfit.
Newcastle officials are understood to regard City as a real threat to their plans right now, who are expected to make a midfield addition.
Of course, if City did activate that release clause, would Arsenal then do the same?
Edu and Arteta have been very reluctant to become embroilded in a bidding war in the past, which could be the case with personal terms in the situation proposed.
But Arsenal did beat City to Rice last season, and would surely be loath to watch their fierce rival strengthen.
All that being said, Arsenal are thought to be ready to submit a bid for a different midfield target this summer.