Mikel Arteta has asked Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke to once again release huge funds for three new signings in the summer. His wish could be granted as well since the manager has Arsenal in contention to qualify for the Champions League. Arsenal hit rock bottom of the table at the start of the season with three consecutive defeats. However, the Gunners currently sit fourth in the table, thanks to a turnaround from Mikel Arteta. And after a winter transfer window that only saw departures, Arteta wants reinforcements.
Arsenal spent a massive £150 million last summer on six signings. All the signings have immensely helped Arsenal get back in the top four. But January saw Arsenal lose their top striker Aubameyang on a free transfer. Arsenal failed to sign a replacement for him, despite high expectations. Moreover, despite holding negotiations with Dusan Vlahovic and Arthur Melo, Arsenal failed to land any of the two. As a result, Arteta reached the United States to meet Kroenke and discuss the club’s transfer plans and key details. Per multiple reports, it was then the Arsenal manager put forward his demand of three new signings in the summer.
Mikel Arteta and his demand for new signings
Arsenal released both Aubameyang and Calum Chambers for free in the winter transfer window. As the fans were hyped for a new striker’s arrival, Arteta rather chose to finish the season with the available squad at his disposal. Arteta’s decision left him with only two strikers, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
However, both have underperformed for the Gunners this season and it became imminent that Arsenal will no longer rely on the duo for next season. Moreover, Arteta has confirmed too that the club will buy a striker in the summer who will guarantee the goals. Both Lacazette and Nketiah could leave for free after their contracts are up at the end of the season.
But Mikel Arteta has done exceptional work as Arsenal could see themselves in the Champions League next season as things stand. Furthermore, Arteta has already identified the positions that need strengthening and the players he wants this summer. The Arsenal manager, in his face-to-face talks with the Kroenke’s, has made his feelings clear that he needs ‘three high-profile signings’ for the summer.
However, Arteta didn’t name any specific players during the meeting but asked for financial backing like the last summer. According to multiple reports, the meet was quite a positive one and the manager could get the backing since Arsenal are on the verge of getting back to European football.
Who could be those ‘three signings’ for Arsenal
A new striker tops the list as confirmed by Arteta himself. The other two positions reportedly on the agenda are a central midfielder and a right-back. Folarin Balogun may become Arteta’s only option if Lacazette and Nketiah depart this summer. To avoid such a situation, Arsenal have wish-listed a few names who could be pursued in the summer. Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak and Lille’s Jonathan David are the two strikers heavily linked with the Gunners. Arsenal could go all out for either of them in the summer.
Next up, Arteta wants a central midfielder among other signings for Arsenal to add depth in that position. Arsenal are linked with Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz and Wolves’ Ruben Neves for that position. Ruiz is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates as well, but there is disappointing news from Neves’ end. Neves is also on the radar of Spanish giants FC Barcelona and he fancies a move too.
Former European Golden Shoe winner Kevin Phillips thinks that the Arsenal manager should notch up Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse. The English midfielder is in a scintillating form this season, especially on the set-pieces. Ward-Prowse has scored 6 direct free-kicks since last season and ranks in the top five for most chances created in the premier league this season.
Another addition Arteta has reportedly asked for is a right-back. No doubt Tomiyasu has become a starter at the right-back, but his recent knocks have concerned Arteta. The manager wants more healthy competition at that position as well since Cedric Soares has not been convinced as such. While Arteta has put forward his demands, summer will tell how Arsenal reinforces their squad. Moreover, a Champions League qualification would provide another boost for them as well.
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