Mikel Arteta could now be well-positioned to repeat the success he enjoyed when bringing Kai Havertz to Arsenal last summer.
Initially, Havertz was a controversial addition, and not only because Arsenal had signed the attacker from Chelsea.
Havertz cut a Mesut Ozil like figure at the Emirates – with pundits and fans initially bemoaning his output and demeanour.
Of course, Havertz enjoyed a complete turnaround before the season ended, a player then being celebrated by all once he had time to settle and find his best position as a false nine.
And that success has now had a significant impact on Arsenal’s transfer plans this summer, with Edu no longer chasing a superstar striker.
Instead, Arsenal will look for exciting back up for Havertz, a player with a lot of potential to improve.
And with that deal is then likely to reserve funds for a marquee midfield signing, someone who can improve the first XI.
In terms of options in the Premier League, Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes is of interest – but could Arsenal be missing a trick elsewhere?
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher could complement Declan Rice brilliantly at Arsenal
Stand-in Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher is believed to be available for £50m this summer, a result of the club’s PSR struggles and his own contract situation.
Both Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are said to be strongly interested in a move, but should Arsenal also be in the race?
Arteta is believed to want to sign a number eight or a number six this summer, which will be decided on plans with Declan Rice next season.
And whilst Gallagher wouldn’t be suited to a role in the pivot, his high-energy nature could be perfectly suited to an advanced role to Rice’s left.
The pair could start for England at Euro 2024 this month, a chance for Arsenal’s recruitment team to then assess how the pair intertwine.
Gallagher is currently thought to want to leave Chelsea – but interest from a club of Arsenal’s echelon could change things, albeit a London rival.
But Havertz’s success since making the switch could perhaps inspire Gallagher to take the leap, who would really strengthen Arsenal’s midfield options.
Perhaps some of an Arsenal persuasion would label a move as ‘unambitious’, but Chelsea fans would be loath to lose the 24-year-old, who still has so much left to offer.
All that being said, Arsenal have now been quoted a discounted price to sign Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz – who could also be part of the midfielder merry-go-round this summer.