“GAME CHANGER”- Mikel Arteta has mentioned his next target- A better striker than Harry Kane who is more calculative and more prolific- Player is set for 4 years contract
Mikel Arteta may have one final job on his wish list for the summer transfer window regarding new signings and it could see him finally complete a 12-month transfer mission which also solves a major problem.
The Gunners have spent nearly £200million to make three marquee additions with deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber announced last week after Kai Havertz’s switch from Chelsea was confirmed in June.
Immediate attention looks set to turn to preparations for the 2023/24 campaign with Arsenal embarking on their USA pre-season tour on Sunday, while sealing outgoings will also be high up on the list of sporting director Edu.
Thomas Partey, Folarin Balogun and Kieran Tierney look set to be a few names heading for the exit door who could raise significant funds. Despite already spending a hefty amount, that money could be used to acquire an option in one position that Arteta has tried to fill with depth for a number of years
On the topic of further signings being made this summer, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, via The Boot Room, said: “The right-sided attacking position, that is something I think Arsenal, will be trying to look at. They have been focusing on that position in the past couple of transfer windows so maybe just keep an eye on that.”
One option for that role is Mohamed Kudus with Ajax potentially looking to sell this summer after he has already rejected a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire in 2025. Alternatively, Arteta could return to a previous target who looks like he is on his way to the Premier League
Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal last summer and according to RMC Sport, the north Londoners are looking to reignite their interest.
However, he is now the subject of strong links to Aston Villa with former Arsenal boss Unai Emery identifying him as the perfect attacker to help Villa in their European journey, but the Gunners could hijack the move, especially now they know his rough price.
Signing Diaby would also solve the issue surrounding Bukayo Saka and the worry that is prominent because he is having to play almost every minute. Saka also started the first pre-season friendly and his importance to the team was shown with his excellent strike as Arsenal’s only goal of the game.
Currently, there is no obvious back up option, Reiss Nelson has filled in there at times, but Arteta appears as though his preference is to play Nelson on the left, with Leandro Trossard transitioning into a central role where he will likely compete with Kai Havertz for that spot.
Every position will therefore have a reserve option, except the right-hand side of attack with no understudy in place for Saka, which leaves space open for Diaby to finally seal a move to Arsenal
