With less than 3 weeks remaining for the upcoming Premier League season to start, clubs have already started their pursuit of getting the players they want to strengthen their teams for the upcoming season. After a disappointing 8th finish in the league last season, a massive rebuild was required by Arsenal this transfer window. While the club has been linked to several players and have been busy throughout the transfer window, we look at the 5 players Arsenal should sign this season to get back into the top four.
#5 Manuel Locatelli
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder has risen to become a prominent player for both his club and country in recent seasons, hence the speculations over his future. As reports suggest Arsenal are very close to losing Granit Xhaka to AS Roma this summer, the club wanted to buy a player that possesses the same qualities as him and Locatelli is the perfect match. While Manchester City were reportedly interested in the player earlier this window, the interest has now faded and Arsenal and Juventus have emerged as the main contenders in the race for Locatelli.
Arsenal’s board and Mikel Arteta like the player very much, but Arsenal are the underdogs in this transfer saga, as the player is keen on joining Juventus. However, Sassuolo’s director has made it clear in his interviews that Arsenal’s interest in the player is real, even Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the club’s serious interest in Manuel. Even though it looks very difficult, it will be interesting to see if Arsenal are able to land Locatelli this summer.
#4 Tammy Abraham
Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has been linked with a move to London rivals, Arsenal, in a deal which could cost the Gunners 40m. Arsenal are set to change their attacking options this summer with both strikers, Lacazette and Nketiah on sale. It is no secret that Chelsea are heavily interested in signing a new forward for the upcoming season, making Tammy a third choice. Abraham is supposedly a boyhood Arsenal fan and would be open to a move to Arsenal, who are one of the few clubs who can match his wage demands.
But this transfer will largely depend on two factors, one will be the departure of Lacazette and Nketiah. While on the other hand, Chelsea will only let Tammy go if a new forward arrives at Stamford Bridge this summer. Mikel Arteta likes the player very much and would love to have him at the Emirates next season, while for Chelsea, Abraham’s departure would free up space for a new forward.
#3 Houssem Aouar
A player Arsenal tried to get their hands on last summer as well, a year later, Aouar still remains a very key target for the club. The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates for several months, but the links this summer look stronger than ever before. While Juventus, Barcelona, and Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in the player, there hasn’t been any concrete offer from either of them. Arsenal now leads the race for Aouar with Lyon asking for a fee in the region of 25m, the player is also keen to join the London giants provided both the clubs come to an agreement.
While the midfielder failed to put an impression in the 20-21 season, he had a brilliant season in 19-20. He contributed 9 goals and 10 assists in the 40 games he played for Lyon in the 19-20 season. Signing an attacking midfielder is one of the several priorities Arteta has for the upcoming season, and Aouar ticks all the boxes.
#2 Martin Odegaard
The Norwegian playmaker spent the second half of the previous season playing for Mikel Arteta’s side, notching two assists and two goals for them. While many thought that he wouldn’t return to the club now that the loan spell was over, things have taken a U-turn. Martin Odegaard may have changed his mind about staying at Real Madrid this summer. Despite the apparent farewell post by him, there may be a twist in the tale, as the Gunners have not given up on getting the player permanently.
Mikel Arteta and the club have made it very clear that they admire the player a lot and would do everything possible to sign the player. The deal will most certainly depend on Real Madrid’s situation, Arsenal are ready to pounce should the playmaker become available this summer.
#1 James Maddison
The attacking midfielder has been linked with Arsenal since the beginning of this transfer window, with the Gunners looking to add a marquee attacking midfielder to their squad. Maddison has attracted many clubs, but Arsenal leads the race this summer, as Arteta rates the player very highly. The transfer will prove to be very challenging for Arsenal, as Leicester will not let the player leave for less than 70m. The midfielder has been a very key player for Leicester as he was directly involved in over 13 goals in the league last season, which makes him the most important player when it comes to 5 players Arsenal should sign this summer.
While Leicester are adamant about keeping the player, James on the other hand is open to a move to Arsenal. Maddison will reportedly earn double of what he is earning right now at Leicester, one of the many key factors which could turn out to be important in this transfer saga. Arsenal could offer Maitland-Niles or Reiss Nelson to Leicester City as part of an offer for Maddison. It will be interesting to see how this transfer saga turns out, as we are just weeks away from the beginning of the 21/22 season.
