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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Josh O'Brien

Arsenal transfers: Four free agents Mikel Arteta could land to continue ambitious rebuild

Arsenal are on the cusp of Champions League football for the first time in five years and if they secure it - the calibre of player they can attract will undoubtedly improve.

The Gunners have already been touted with big-money moves for the likes of Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus and Leicester City star Youri Tielemans - but there's every chance boss Mikel Arteta may look to also bring in some cheaper options, particularly if his side fall short of their aim to finish fourth.

The Spaniard has already spent plenty during his time in charge, purchasing the likes of Benjamin White, Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Odegaard for a combined fee of just over £100million. All three have proven to be inspired signings.

Arteta has also demonstrated extreme restraint in the transfer market, such as when he allowed the entirety of the January window to pass by without adding a single player and sanctioning the departure of former talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

This summer could throw up a different dynamic entirely as Arsenal could look to exploit players out of contract at their current clubs and snap up some signatures for nothing.

Mirror Football has taken a look at four potential candidates Arteta and the rest of the Gunners hierarchy could aim to entice to the Emirates without paying a single penny in transfer fees.

Sam Johnstone

Arsenal have expressed interest in Sam Johnstone before ((Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images))

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should Arsenal look to bring in on a free this summer? Comment below

Arsenal have already expressed interest in the West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper and were touted with a move for Johnstone before opting to sign Ramsdale.

The England international is out of contract at the Hawthorns and with the Gunners current number 2 Bernd Leno heading for the exit, Arteta is well aware he is going to need a deputy before the opening day of next term.

There may be some difficulty in pitching Johnstone the idea of playing second-fiddle to Ramsdale, but Arsenal are undeniably the biggest club with lingering interest.

Paulo Dybala

Paulo Dybala is wanted by plenty of huge sides ((Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images))

The wantaway Juventus star has been linked with just about every top-six side in the Premier League and Arsenal could view Dybala as an attractive proposition.

Given his ability to play anywhere across the front-line, the Argentina international's versatility could come in hand to an Arsenal side bereft of top-tier striking talent.

If the Gunners are going to make a move for him, they will have to fend off interest from rivals across the continent. Recent reports suggest Borussia Dortmund view Dybala as a potential replacement for the outgoing Erling Haaland.

Ousmane Dembele

Ousmane Dembele is out of contract at the Camp Nou this summer (Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

This is one deal that also presents a certain degree of difficulty given Arsenal's strength in the right-wing position already in the form of Bukayo Saka.

However, when a player of Dembele's ability presents itself on a free transfer it is a deal that is incredibly hard to turn down. The Frenchman has had his critics, largely due to the amount of time spent on the treatment table.

At long last, the Barcelona winger is proving just how good he can be. Despite missing 16 league games with injury, he is still topping the La Liga assist charts with 13 to his name.

Boubacar Kamara

Boubacar Kamara is leaving Marseille at the end of the season ((Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images))

Thomas Partey's injury struggles and Mohamed Elneny nearing the end of his deal ensures there could be room for another defensive minded central midfielder.

Kamara would be quite the addition, famed for being defensively sound and attracting plenty of potential suitors in the process. One plus for Arsenal would also be the fact the player has already informed Marseille of his intention to leave at the end of the season.

Aston Villa are also keeping close tabs on Kamara's situation, with boss Steven Gerrard even making the trip to France to watch him up close.

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