After missing out on the Premier League title this season, Arsenal are out on the market ready to bolster their position. Mikel Arteta together with Arsenal Sporting Director, Edu Gaspar, are hunting for several players who will improve their squad. The Emirates outfit now have the conviction that they can win the PL with a little bit more polishing. Arteta believes the ceiling can rise and their current attempts is to ensure a new level is activated.
Defensive outlook
Despite starting the season in the right gear, Arsenal’s defense faltered along the way. A huge criticism in missing out on the title was the feeble state of Arteta’s backline towards the season’s end. The defense became leaky with top man William Saliba injured, which opened defensive problems on multiple phases.
Joao Cancelo is one of the players linked to Arsenal. The Manchester City right-back is out of favor with Guardiola and the expectation is for him to move elsewhere. Arteta sees the Portuguese international as an essential addition to the team. He sums up as a utility player who can play in several positions. He is also a proven winner, an attribute that makes him even more suitable for the Gunners. If they can agree with Man City, we might see Cancelo making a switch to the Emirates next season.
Relegated Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne is also one strongly admired by Mikel Arteta. The defender might have been relegated, but his performances throughout the season were nothing short of outstanding. The fact that Arsenal is courting him is proof enough that he has been impressive.
Replacing Granit Xhaka
Following the imminent departure of one-time Captain Granit Xhaka, Arsenal are also looking for a creative midfielder to fill his massive shoes. Arteta badly wants Man City treble winner Ilkay Gundogan to add creativity and flair to the midfield. Arsenal have appreciated the player since his Borussia Dortmund days and whether or not he decides to join Arsenal is something everyone is waiting to see.
Declan Rice is the most popular topic in football transfers today and he might actually be on his way to the Emirates. Arsenal made it clear a few months back that they were interested in Rice and have invested significant time and effort since then to get this deal over the line. Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday that Arsenal have their first bid ready and they will submit it any time this week. With Bayern already out of the race, Rice could soon be announced as new Arsenal player.
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Other names linked with Arsenal
Also one to closely monitor is Moises Caicedo who still resides in the minds of Arteta and the board. They failed to get through with this transfer in January but according to multiple reports they may be coming back in for him. Brighton were reluctant on their stance in keeping him but their resolve is loosened this time round. The 24-year-old Ecuadorian is intent on playing in the Champions League and Arsenal could pivot to this fact to ward off other potential suitors.
