Arsenal could be plotting another major move for a Premier League midfielder this summer, with reports claiming that Mikel Arteta’s men have made contact over a potential deal.
Arsenal were vindicated for smashing their transfer record to sign Declan Rice last summer, but it appears that one of their priorities in this window could be to find the right player to play alongside Rice next season.
The Gunners have been linked with a host of names, and one of the latest to arrive into the frame has previously spoken about how he believes that Bukayo Saka is one of the best players in the world.
Edu and Mikel Arteta have had to deal with a lot of initial doubt following some of their purchases in the last few years, with the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White arriving with a point to prove.
But Arsenal have also not been afraid to take chances on a couple of Chelsea players over the years, with Jorginho and Kai Havertz proving to be inspired additions.
What Conor Gallagher previously said about Bukayo Saka
And it seems that a third may be offered the chance to also move from Stamford Bridge, with Arsenal reportedly making contact over a move for Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher has one year left on his contract at Chelsea. He has been heavily linked with a £40 million move to Tottenham, but it appears that he could end up with their North London rivals instead.
And one of the factors which may perhaps influence his decision – should Arsenal make a concrete move – is having the chance to play alongside players such as Saka.
Judging by comments Gallagher made in 2023, the Chelsea man is a massive admirer of his England teammate.
“I played with Bukayo since, I think, the Under-19s,” he said, as reported by The Independent.
“Even then you could see that he would become a top player and to see how he has progressed until now has been amazing and I am sure he is going to get even better.
“He is a special player and to get a hat-trick was amazing for him. He had an amazing performance. He is right up there (with the best) and he is only getting better.
“I think he is a very exciting talent with an exciting future and we are looking forward to seeing where it takes him.”
Arsenal’s potential will convince transfer targets
Of course, playing with Saka is not going to be the decisive factor which determines whether he pushes to join Arsenal, but if the Gunners do make a move, he is surely going to consider which side is more likely to regularly contend for the biggest prizes in the coming years.
Chelsea have a lot of potential, but Arsenal are clearly so close to taking that final step – with players such as Saka proving that they are now world-class.