Despite finishing second in the Premier League this season, Arsenal fell short of league winners Manchester City due to their lack of strength in depth. This summer, Mikel Arteta and his team need to recruit wisely to ensure they can push for the title next season. With key players such as Granit Xhaka and Kieran Tierney linked with an exit, it is important for the Gunners to keep hold of their stars while also bringing in new talented additions. Injuries to key players such as William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus throughout the campaign seriously hindered Arsenal’s chances of securing their first league title since 2004.
One player linked with a move to Arsenal is West Ham’s skipper Declan Rice. The England international has been heavily linked with a move away this summer, and Hammers owner David O’Sullivan has now exclusively told talkSPORT Rice will leave the club this summer. O’Sullivan expects offers to come in for the talented midfielder straight away and talkSPORT understands Arsenal are favourites to sign him. Jorginho has only one year left on his current deal and Thomas Partey’s injuries at key points of the season mean 24-year-old Rice will be a perfect addition, even if he does come with a hefty price tag.
Another player linked with Arsenal is Leicester playmaker James Maddison. Despite wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli being joint top scorers for Arsenal this season alongside Martin Odegaard, it’s no secret Arteta wants some more speedy wide players. Maddison could come in on the wing, just like he does for England. The Foxes talisman still has a year on his current deal, but following the club’s relegation to the Championship it seems inevitable Maddison will be on his way with him aiming to represent his country at Euro 2024.
Finally, Joao Cancelo could help add experience into Arteta’s youthful side. The Man City full-back’s loan stint with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich has come to an end and a return to the Etihad Stadium looks unlikely after falling out of favour with Guardiola ahead of the move. Arteta is reportedly interested in signing him this summer, which would see him reunite with former City teammates Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jesus. The Ukrainian has already proved to be a great option for Arsenal at left-back. But with Tierney heading for the exit door, the Gunners’ full-back options would certainly be boosted with the addition of the Bundesliga winner.
Overall, recruitment is key for Arsenal this summer if they want to get closer to their rivals’ level and push for the Premier League title next season. By signing players such as Rice, Maddison, and Cancelo, the Gunners could be on their way to finally securing their first league title in 17 years.