Despite enjoying a strong campaign, the Gunners are set to spend big again as they prepare for their return to the Champions League
Arsenal are set for another busy summer transfer window. Fresh from guiding his young team to a second-placed finish in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta is determined to improve his squad as the club gears up to return to the Champions League for the first time since 2017.
Some big name additions are expected to arrive in north London, but who could they be? GOAL takes a look at the 10 most likely candidates…
GettyDeclan Rice (West Ham)
It’s no secret that Arsenal want to sign West Ham’s captain and that they have already put a lot of work in behind the scenes to try and get a deal done. But that does not mean they are guaranteed to land Rice, even though it is understood he is open to making the move across London.
There is strong rival interest in the England international that Arsenal will need to see off if they are going to sign him, and they are also going to need to absolutely smash their club-record transfer fee, that currently stands at the £72m ($89m) they paid Lille for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.
West Ham want in excess of £100m (£123.5m) for their skipper and will be hoping for a bidding war to drive the price up further. Whether Arsenal have the financial capability to win the race for Rice remains to be seen, but they are certainly going to try.
AdvertisementGettyMoises Caicedo (Brighton)
Arsenal pushed hard for Caicedo in January but were left disappointed when Brighton rejected two bids for their midfielder. The Gunners remain interested in the 21-year-old, but it is currently unclear whether they will bid for him as well as Rice this summer. It could be a case of one, rather than both as they look to reshape their midfield.
Caicedo has signed a new contract at Brighton since Arsenal’s failed attempts to sign him in January, but that does not mean he will not be moving on in the coming weeks.
GettyIlkay Gundogan (Man City)
Arsenal do have an interest in Gundogan and talks have taken place with his representatives over a possible free transfer this summer. Manchester City are still trying to get him to sign a new contract, but if he doesn’t, he will be available on a free transfer.
A move to Barcelona remains the most likely option, but Arsenal are trying to convince him to stay in the Premier League following his glittering career at the Etihad. He would be a perfect, low-cost replacement for Granit Xhaka.
GettyMason Mount (Chelsea)
Arsenal, like the rest of the top clubs in the Premier League, are keeping close tabs on Mount’s situation at Chelsea. It looks increasingly certain he will leave this summer rather than sign a new contract, and talks have been held over a potential move to the Emirates.
But several other clubs are also in the mix, including Manchester United and Liverpool, so it will be a difficult race to win. Chelsea are believed to want around £70m for Mount, a figure that could price Arsenal out of a move.