Arsenal look to have their plan set for what they want to do in the summer transfer window under Mikel Arteta – so here’s our top three free agent targets we think the club should target.
As reported by the Evening Standard, the Basque manager and Edu Gaspar are looking to sign as many as six players, with two strikers and a central midfielder the main targets for Arsenal this summer, along with a winger, left-sided centre-back and right-back for good measure.
With early reports also suggesting that Stan Kroenke will once again be financing this window following the success of this season and Arteta’s signings last year, Arsenal fans could be in for another wild ride full of twists and turns. Yet this summer has one interesting quirk.
A quick glance at the soon-to-be-free agents list shows an incredible array of talent who could soon be without a club, and for Arsenal, some of these names could fill in three areas of the squad Arteta is looking to fill out. So, which three should the Gunners be targeting?
Our top three Arsenal summer targets
Striker – Cyle Larin
As mentioned, Arsenal are looking to bring in two strikers in the summer, meaning signing a free agent to fill one of these spots is not only smart business but also very likely from Arteta. And Cyle Larin fits the bill perfectly for the Gunners.
The 47-cap Canadian international has been one of the most consistent goalscorers in Turkey in recent years, with Larin linked with a move to Premier League during his time with Besiktas. And for Arsenal, the forward could be an ideal free agent signing.
Able to play centre-forward and out on the left, the 26-year-old could be perfect for Arsenal as a second-choice striker. And standing at 6’2”, Larin’s physicality makes him an ideal hold-up forward that has made Alexandre Lacazette so key for the Gunners this season.
Central midfielder – Franck Kessie
Kylian Mbappe, Paulo Dybala and Paulo Pogba are big three names who are set to become free agents this summer, with Franck Kessie just outside this trio in terms of quality and calibre, and for Arsenal, the AC Milan midfielder could be perfect.
Whilst the 25-year-old Ivory Coast international is currently being eyed by FC Barcelona as per Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal could swoop the midfielder right from the Catalan’s noses if they were to declare an interest in the Serie A star.
Hailed as a ‘special player’ by Pat Nevin, Kessie’s work rate and all-around quality will compliment Thomas Partey well in the Arsenal midfield. And with the Ghanaian thriving in recent weeks in a deeper role, the Milan star could be a serious upgrade on Granit Xhaka, something fans have been crying out for for years.
Right-back – Junior Sambia
One of the shrewdest transfers Arsenal pulled off last summer was that of Nuno Tavares, who for £7m has provided exceptional cover for Kieran Tierney and has given the Gunners a solid backup for the Scottish star. And Junior Sambia could offer something similar for Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Whilst Cedric Soares has hardly put a foot wrong for Arsenal in his latest run in the XI with his Japanese teammate out through injury, there’s no denying Arteta could do with a younger and more dynamic option in right-back in the absence of Tomiyasu, which is where Sambia comes in.
The Montpellier star is set to leave the Ligue 1 side this summer, and with the fullback impressing in recent seasons in the French top-flight, Sambia could be another smart pick up from Arsenal if they play their cards right this summer.
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