Mikel Arteta and Edu make triple transfer settlements to complete dream Arsenal squad.
Arsenal’s preferences for the summer transfer window are apparent.
As earlier reported by football.london, Mikel Arteta and Edu are targeting up to five distinct signings as they look to repair a squad that has failed to qualify for any European competition next season.
One area in which the Gunners pair are looking to strengthen is through the spine of the team with the club hopeful of winding up deals for Ben White and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Furthermore, a creative midfielder is essential on the list and after missing out on a chance for Emiliano Buendia, Arsenal are interested in signing Leicester City’s James Maddison.
Andre Onana is also a target with Bernd Leno’s future uncertain, whilst there’s a discussion of a new striker arriving at the Emirates Stadium should one of Alexandre Lacazette or Eddie Nketiah leave.
In addition, a replacement for Hector Bellerin could also be needed if the Spaniard leaves, although Arteta does have Cedric and Calum Chambers to call upon.
Thus allowing himself and Edu to focus on signing a full-back on the opposite flank.
Before the January transfer window closing, Arteta affirmed a new left-back to provide back-up for Kieran Tierney was a preference after letting Sead Kolasinac return to Schalke on loan for the remainder of the season.
But despite links to the likes of Ryan Bertrand and Patrick van Aanholt, no new left-back was contracted and the Gunners are keen to dodge a repeat of a situation that saw Granit Xhaka playing out of position when Tierney missed several important games through injury last season.
And three resolutions have been made with regards to the profile of left-back Arteta and Edu want to sign this summer.
Arsenal left back update:
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 21, 2021
Bertrand and Doig looking unlikely as mentioned before.
Expectation is that Arsenal are prioritising other areas (CM & CB) first. #AFC
Arsenal are looking for a younger profile left back, as first reported by @David_Ornstein.
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 21, 2021
However, I’m told that Patrick van Aanholt could still be an option for #AFC later in the window.
Enquiries were made for the Dutch international in January. pic.twitter.com/0bxvqAtpVb
Firstly, it is understood that Bertrand – available on a free – and Hibernian’s Josh Doig are unlikely to sign, but Arsenal would prefer to sign a younger left-back.
Despite that stance, 30-year-old van Aanholt could still be an alternative for later in the window as he will leave Crystal Palace on a free next week.
With that said, finalizing a contract for a left-back could be one of Arsenal’s final moves of the summer window.
This is because Arteta and Edu are said to be prioritizing other areas of the squad first, so it might be that the left-back signing will be the one to complete the Spaniard’s dream squad after getting other deals over the line.
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Mikel Arteta and Edu make triple transfer settlements to complete dream Arsenal squad.
