Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be keen to strengthen his squad with a Europa League campaign to prepare for next season. The Gunners could play as many as 14 extra games if they progress to the final of the competition and as such more quality and depth will be needed to cope with the extra fixtures.
Despite missing out on fourth place last season, Arsenal showed real signs of progress under Arteta. And it is essential that they get their recruitment right this summer to continue their upward trajectory.
The north Londoners have been linked with a host of names as they prepare to juggle a return to the European stage with another tilt at the top four. With that said here are the main transfer rumours surrounding the club this summer.
READ MORE: Arteta closer to dream squad as Arsenal target Xhaka replacement who is 'better than De Bruyne'
Gabriel Jesus
After failing to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following his January departure to Barcelona, and with Alexandre Lacazette leaving when his contract expires at the end of the month; a new striker is desperately needed. Gabriel Jesus scored 13 goals and notched 12 assists across all competitions for Manchester City during last season’s title winning campaign.
The Brazilian appears to be on his way out of the Etihad with Erling Haaland set to be their first choice striker next season, coupled with the fact that he only has one year left on his contract and Arsenal have been given the green light to complete a deal.
Youri Tielemans
The Leicester star is also in the last year of his deal and appears unlikely to sign an extension with the Foxes after they failed to build on their FA Cup triumph in 2021 by finishing eighth last season. Tielemans would add goals and creativity to Arsenal’s central midfield which is something they currently lack with their current partnership of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.
The Foxes appear to be resigned to selling the 25-year-old rather than risk losing him on a free transfer in 12 months. The east Midlands club reportedly want around £25million for his services.
Gianluca Scamacca
Scamacca enjoyed a prolific campaign with Sassuolo last season, notching 16 Serie A goals in 36 appearances. The 23-year-old certainly fits Arsenal’s ethos of signing young, hungry and ambitious players that can develop with the club.
However, the Italy striker is under contract until the summer of 2024 and would cost a reported £50million.
Aaron Hickey
With first choice left-back Kieran Tierney missing for much of last season and with understudy Nuno Tavares looking far from convincing in his absence, another option at left-back is needed. Hickey made 36 appearances for Bologna last season, scoring five goals and has been likened to Liverpool and Scotland teammate Andy Robertson.
Hickey has two more years on his contract, meaning Bologna could be tempted to cash in on his services this summer. His impressive form has also seen him linked with moves to AC/Inter Milan as well as Juventus.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
The Ukrainian left-back has slipped down the pecking order at the Etihad since the arrival of Joao Cancelo and with just two years remaining on his contract City are expected to cash in this summer. Zinchenko would provide competition for Tierney if he signed however, he originally joined City as an attacking midfielder and would offer Arteta with another option in the middle of the park.
Zinchenko has also been linked with a move to West Ham and would cost a reported £40million.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s greatest need is up front, the club simply must bring in a striker to replace Aubameyang and Lacazette, as well as provide competition for Eddie Nketiah who is poised to sign a new long term contract. Jesus knows the league well, and whilst he’s not exactly been prolific during his time at City; that could be attributed to the fact that he’s mainly been a peripheral figure at the Etihad.
The Brazilian is also more than capable of assisting teammates and at 25 is considerably younger than the departed aforementioned duo. Arteta knows him having worked with Jesus whilst he was an assistant at City and he represents the least risk in terms of a proven commodity at Premier League level.
