Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have spent this season pushing for a top four finish, with hopes of a return to the Champions League. However, the past week has seen those hopes dented after back-to-back losses against Crystal Palace and Brighton.
The Gunners sit in fifth, three points behind North London rivals Tottenham with one game in hand over them. While it is still more than possible to finish fourth, a tough run that includes Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea and West Ham are still to come, outlining the scale of the task at hand for Arteta.
Injuries have also been a concern, with Kieran Tierney set to miss the remainder of the season while Thomas Partey is out for a period of time before the end of the campaign. It has brought into question the depth of the squad, with the summer providing the perfect chance to improve upon that.
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The Gunners have been linked with a number of players to strengthen and football.london has gathered some of the latest rumours surrounding the summer window.
Marco Asensio transfer price set
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio for this summer as the Spaniard looks set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu. The 26-year-old can play anywhere behind the striker and only has one-year remaining on his current deal.
Calciomercato reports that Los Blancos has set a price of €25million (£21million) to let him leave before he becomes a free agent. The Gunners aren’t the only side said to be chasing him though as the report also claims AC Milan are showing interest.
Eden Hazard battle
Former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard is another from the Real Madrid crop that is said to be free to leave in the summer, with reports earlier in the week claiming that a meeting between Arsenal and the club had commenced over a potential loan deal. However, the Gunners could face an uphill battle to land him.
Spanish outlet CadenaSER reports that while there is interest from Mikel Arteta, Borussia Dortmund currently lead the race to sign him. Eden’s brother, Thorgan, also happens to play for the German outfit.
Nicolas Pepe future
Club-record signing Nicolas Pepe has struggled since making the switch from Lille in 2019, making just 16 Premier League appearances this season. Calciomercato reports that following his tough spell, the club are willing to listen to offers for the Ivorian this summer.
While he joined for a reported £72million, the Gunners are said to be setting their valuation at €30million (£25million), nearing a £50million hit on the winger.
