Arsenal recently lost out on the Premier League title to Manchester City. As the Gunners cope with the disappointment of missing out on the trophy after leading the way for the majority of the season, they are preparing to bring an even stronger fight next season.
It’s been well reported that Arsenal are preparing to have one of their biggest transfer windows in the club’s history. The aim is to bring in enough quality in depth to compete in the Champions League and attempt to dethrone Manchester City as the champions of England, after Pep Guardiola’s side have now won five of the last six league titles in England.
Arsenal are reportedly highly focused on adding depth to the central midfield area ahead of next season. Current players such as Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka could well see their chapters at Arsenal come to an end this summer.
Thomas Partey is currently being linked to a move away with two Serie A clubs interested, as well as Granit Xhaka closing in on a move to German side Bayer Leverkusen. Partey has been one of Arsenal’s most important players up to the last few weeks of the season where he’s underperformed and Jorginho has taken his place.
Thomas Partey is being linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
The likes of Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo, Mason Mount and Ilkay Gundogan are all linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta wants to sign two new central midfielder this summer, as well as strengthening elsewhere. However in order to maintain a proper wage structure, Arsenal will have to let go of some current players, such as the likes of Partey and Xhaka.
Declan Rice has been linked with a move to North London for the past few months with Arsenal expected to make their move after the Europa Conference League final. Moises Caicedo was a player the Gunners were interested in, in January, but Brighton rejected all of Arsenal’s bids and renewed his contract instead. However Arsenal’s interest remains.
Declan Rice is Arsenal’s number one target this summer. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
READ MORE: Zinchenko names the two Arsenal players who never pass the ball.
Manchester City captain, Ilkay Gundogan has also been linked with a move to Arsenal. The German’s contract is up at the end of the season and it’s currently unclear whether he will leave the club as a free agent or renew his contract in the next few weeks. Barcelona are also keen on the player and Arsenal will have strong competition for the German’s signature.
Arsene Wenger signed Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach 7 years ago. However, Xhaka had a massive falling out with the Arsenal fans under Unai Emery. However he rejuvenated his Arsenal career under Mikel Arteta and won back the fans respect.
Arteta rates Xhaka highly and has constantly praises his personality. However, his time at Arsenal may be coming to an end. Following the defeat to Nottingham Forest, Xhaka was directly asked about his future, he said:
“You will know next week, for sure. Before the Wolves game. I think the fans deserve that. And I do, as well. We have one more week of the Premier League season to go and I want to enjoy it and I want you guys to, as well.”
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta now hopeful player will stay at the club beyond this season.
Xhaka also talked about doing something special which may indicate that he is preparing to say his goodbyes against Wolves this weekend:
“Where I was three years ago and where I am today, I think I’ve grown up as a person and I’ve got my respect back. In the dressing room everything was always fine but I got it back from the fans.”
“When I talked about special…I mean, how can I say it? Where I have been and how I came back and my turnaround, maybe it’s the first time in the history of the Premier League it’s been done?”
“It’s made me happy. It makes me proud. But this is my story, my path. How the fans have treated me, I didn’t expect that – but I am thankful for them. I want to give them something back for, maybe, my last game on Sunday.”
It’s looking like Arsenal will have a completely new set of faces in midfield come the start of next season. However, players like Xhaka will leave the club with the utmost respect. The current players all fought their hardest for the title this season and showed the world an Arsenal that people may have forgotten.
NEXT ARTICLE: Juventus points deduction is big news for Arsenal.
