Arsenal are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window, for the second successive year. The Gunners added five players to Mikel Arteta's squad last summer and have reaped the rewards.
With 20 games under their belt, the north London outfit are top of the Premier League, five points clear of Manchester City, following the arrivals of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos. After agonisingly missing out on Champions League football last term, Arteta has transformed the north London outfit as one of the countries best.
Champions League football is expected to return to the Emirates Stadium in 2023 and preparation for a vital summer window has already begun. It's said that a new midfielder is the priority for the 2023/24 campaign with West Ham captain Declan Rice the subject of strong speculation.
READ MORE: Martin Odegaard reveals why he rejected Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd before Real Madrid move
The England international has been linked with a move away from the Hammers for some time, with strong rumours tipping him to return to Chelsea. However, in recent months, football.london understands that the defensive anchor remains Edu Gaspar's priority.
Champions League football is said to be the key pulling factor in securing Rice's signature. Graham Potter's hopes of securing a top four finish in his first season at Stamford Bridge are slowly fading with them sat ninth. However, even with a Premier League title win, former Premier League full-back Glen Johnson doesn't believe Rice will sign for Arsenal.
“I can’t see him moving to Arsenal in all honesty. Even if Arsenal win the league this season, I’d still be really surprised if they win the league again next season," he told Betfred.
"They look great at the moment and things are going really well for them, but this is a total outlier season for them because they’ve been nowhere near this good previously under Mikel Arteta. Have they turned everything around in six months to be title challengers on a consistent basis? I don’t believe so.
"Even if Arsenal win the league I don’t believe Declan will move there because the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, three teams who haven’t been at their best, are not all going to underperform again next season. If two or them can get back to their best next season, then Arsenal are going to be fourth or fifth possibly.”
READ NEXT:
Gabriel Jesus' likely return game for Arsenal revealed with Mikel Arteta to get dream scenario
Arsene Wenger can hand Mikel Arteta solution to right-back variety with Arsenal throwback pick
When Arsenal will make Folarin Balogun transfer decision as next season's plans 'revealed'
Mikel Arteta may have changed his mind on £34m signing Fabio Vieira after key Arsenal decisions
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
