Arsenal are shifting their focus back to Europe this week after a 3-0 first-leg win in the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium during midweek. It has given the Gunners the confidence that they could go on and win the competition.
Despite their achievements in the Champions League, Arteta’s side behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League, which looks all but done. It looks to be the third season in a row where Arsenal finish second in the league. However, Arteta has insisted his side will keep fighting until the league is mathematically finished.
The Gunners are set to make a splash in the summer transfer window in order to build a squad capable of bring the first league title to North London since the 2003/04 season.
Arsenal’s defence has arguably been it’s biggest strength over the past two seasons, conceding the fewest goals in the Premier League last season, and currently on for the same accolade this year.
They are unlikely to replace any of their starters in defence, however are expected to sign a backup keeper to replace Neto, who is due to leave after his loan expires at the end of the season.
Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia has been linked to Arsenal, and he could come in and provide some solid competition for Raya, who has remained unchallenged by Neto this season.
Other than that, the task for Arsenal will be to keep hold of Saliba and Gabriel who have both attracted transfer interest. However, if they are to succeed in the Champions League, it would be hard to see the pair looking to leave the Emirates.
The Gunners will be delighted with Declan Rice at the moment after he netted two stunning free kicks during Arsenal’s Champions League win against Real Madrid. Odegaard also has a long-term future at the club as he is their captain and creative outlet in midfield.
However, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho due to leave the club with their contracts expiring, Arsenal are expected to sign a midfielder to replace them.
They have been linked to Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi for a long time now. He has a £51m release clause which the Gunners are expected to pay. Recent reports have said that they could fund a move for the Spaniard by selling defender Jakub Kiwior first.
Striker: Viktor Gyokeres
The talk around Arsenal over the past few years has been about signing a striker. They are expected to finally do it this summer after having to play the likes of Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino as a number nine this season.
Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal are now the front-runner to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres who has scored 31 goals in 27 league games this season. There has also been reported interest from Man United for Gyokeres.
He has a release clause worth £84m, however, the Gunners may be able to negotiate a lower fee for the Swedish striker, as talks have reportedly begun already.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka will then line up alongside former Man City winger Leroy Sane who has been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer, after falling out of favour at Bayern Munich.
He still hasn’t signed a new contract with the Bundesliga club, and could provide Arteta with a cut-price winger who has experience winning a Premier League title under the Spaniard, who was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Man City during Sane’s time in England.
In other news, Champions League semi-final draw: Who Arsenal will face if they beat Real Madrid.
