Manchester City may be about to beat Arsenal to the Premier League title, but Mikel Arteta could have the last laugh in the summer transfer window. The Gunners have squandered their hopes of winning their first league title in 19 years with a poor end of the season.
Victory for Pep Guardiola's side over Chelsea at the weekend will crown them their fifth triumph in six years. City are on course to win a historic treble after cruising past Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.
For Arsenal, their focus is on the summer transfer window and making the appropriate upgrades to Arteta's squad. "With the level that is required for the Premier League and to fight for the Champions League, the way we have to fight for the Champions League, there's a lot to think about," the Spaniard said.
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The Gunners are keen on increasing the depth in most areas of the playing squad for next season. Centre-back has been a problematic area in recent weeks following William Saliba's injury and the possibility of signing a new forward remains a likely prospect.
Yet the midfield is the position that is being prioritised. Declan Rice has been on Edu Gaspar's radar for some time, but another signing may follow the West Ham star due to Granit Xhaka's likely exit to Bayer Leverkusen. football.london understands that he's in advanced talks over a move to Germany.
A player of similar mould is to be considered and Man City's Ilkay Gundogan could be the ideal candidate. The Germany international's contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in the summer and faces a potential exit - despite being a regular this season.
Arteta worked with Gundogan during his time as Guardiola's assistant and reportedly wants to bring the experienced midfielder to north London in the summer.
Barcelona are also keen on the 32-year-old, with Xavi searching for a new midfielder to bolster his squad after their La Liga title win. According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barca have offered Gundogan a three-year deal, on a lower salary, compared to City's one-year deal.
For a player with not many years left on his career, signing a three-year contract is more favourable. If Arsenal can match Barcelona's offer, they will have a better chance of bringing Gundogran to the Emirates Stadium.
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