Following Wednesday’s defeat to Manchester City, Mikel Arteta is reconsidering Arsenal’s transfer priorities this summer and feels the squad may need more surgery than he initially realised. Arteta had hoped to bring in two stand-out, big-money signings this summer – such as Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo – to complete his side and challenge once again next season. However, The Sun reports that Arteta is now exploring ways to finance moves for two more defenders and possibly another winger – in addition to still wanting two new midfielders. This means that the £100m swoop for Rice may no longer be feasible, and the Gunners are now looking at cheaper options such as Youri Tielemans, who is a free agent in the summer, and Mason Mount, who is about to enter the final year of his Chelsea contract.
Arsenal are also looking to bring in a new right-sided centre-back to offer cover and competition for William Saliba, as well as a more orthodox right-back to act as understudy to Ben White. To raise funds, the club are hoping that decent loan spells for Nicolas Pepe, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Pablo Mari will help secure buyers this summer.