Arsenal look to strengthen their squad this summer

Arsenal are entering a critical summer of transfers after missing out on European competition due to a dismal season in which they finished eighth in the Premier League. With limited funds, the Gunners have already lost out to Aston Villa for the signing of Norwich’s Emi Buendia.

They also face the possibility of losing young stars Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, for whom the Gunners turned down a bid from Villa this week. Arsenal may lose those in the future if they do not reclaim their place towards the top of the standings. The club’s and manager Mikel Arteta’s objective is to improve the squad on a shoestring budget.

Arsenal are looking for a back-up goalkeeper to replace Bernd Leno and are considering Neto from Barcelona, Andre Onana from Ajax, and Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United. The most logical move would be to bring back Mat Ryan, who spent the second part of the season on loan from Brighton.

Arteta is looking for a centre defender to compete alongside Gabriel and Rob Holding. Brighton will only sell Ben White if their 50-million-pound valuation is satisfied, implying that Arsenal must sell first. Right back with a long history of service Hector Bellerin is a free agent, but Arsenal is having trouble finding suitors. Ben White is also being pursued by AC Milan, Real Betis, and Villarreal.

Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares are Arteta’s right-back possibilities. However, if Bellerin leaves, Arteta is expected to acquire another full back, with Lille’s Zeki Celik and Everton’s Jonjoe Kenny also being mentioned.

Arsenal may be unable to sign Norwich’s Max Aarons and Tariq Lamptey due to financial constraints. Everton and Southampton are interested in signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles on a permanent basis because he wants to play in midfield. Konstantinos Mavropanos’ loan move to Stuttgart appears to be permanent. Newcastle are interested in signing William Saliba on a Premier League loan.

Arteta is in the market for a new midfielder. Roma are interested in Granit Xhaka, and Arsenal are willing to sell if their initial bid of 12.6 million is increased. Albert Sambi Lokonga of Anderlecht would be up against Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey for a starting spot. Wolves’ Ruben Neves is another midfield possibility, but he is unlikely to be cheap.

Martin Odegaard has returned to Real Madrid, and Arsenal are looking for a new No 10 to replace him. The Gunners were unable to sign Buendia, and a trade for James Maddison is improbable. A more plausible alternative is Betis’ Nabil Fekir, but Arsenal has yet to make a proposal for the Frenchman. Despite Aston Villa’s interest, Smith Rowe is expected to sign a new contract. Meanwhile, Arsenal are hoping to offload Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira.

Arsenal may be tempted to move Alexandre Lacazette, who has just one year left on his contract, while Watford are interested in Eddie Nketiah. If one of those players leaves and funds are available, Alassane Plea of Borussia Monchengladbach is a possibility.