Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta still wants to sign another two central midfielders this summer, the Daily Mirror report, and the club’s focus will return to transfer matters now, after they secured the future of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang yesterday.
Arsenal had been expected to dip into the market for one of Houssem Aouar or Thomas Partey, but the latest update suggests that Arteta actually wants them both.
That could be an expensive deal for the Gunners to complete, with the Mirror suggesting it would cost over £90 million, but it seems that Arsenal have ambitious plans.
Crucially, Arteta is said to be ‘expecting’ new players to arrive, which may just put Arsenal’s board under pressure to make sure it gets done.
Arsenal have already added Gabriel, Willian and Dani Ceballos this summer, but Arteta feels that there remains a gap in his squad in central midfield.
Although Granit Xhaka and Ceballos have a strong partnership, and Bukayo Saka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles can play there, Arteta wants much more strengthening in the position.
The news that he wants to sign two central midfielders has to be exciting for Arsenal supporters, as if he pulls off the transfer plan it should strengthen them considerably.
Central midfield has been a problem position for Arsenal for a number of seasons, but it seems that Arteta is keen on solving in during his first summer transfer window in charge.
If Arsenal are to complete the big money double swoop though, they will surely need to offload a number of their fringe players – which is something they have been unable to do so far this summer.
Arsenal’s record transfer deals
- Nicolas Pepe
£72 million
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
£56 million
- Alexandre Lacazette
£52 million
- Thomas Partey
45 million
- Mesut Ozil
£42 million
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
