Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Arsenal are eyeing up big signings for the summer in order to go to the next level.
Who could Arsenal target in the summer transfer market?
It seems that the priority for Mikel Arteta is to sign a new central midfielder, following a failed pursuit of Moises Caicedo in January, and Declan Rice is reportedly the top target.
Rice would likely be an expensive deal, but also a statement signing in the midfield – and he may not be the only big-name arrival at the Emirates this summer.
Speaking to Football FanCast, Jones claimed that Arsenal will target big players to help them raise their current high levels of performance, which have seen them lead the Premier League for the majority of the season.
He said: “We know Arsenal are going to be looking at big options for the summer.
“There are concerns, obviously, about how this team gets to the next level, but it will all depend on what they manage to do between now and the end of the season and [at] what level they can recruit.”
Where do Arsenal and Mikel Arteta need to strengthen?
The quality of Arsenal’s first XI has helped them reach the summit of the Premier League after their best-ever start to a league campaign, but their strength in depth has been questioned.
Whilst they recruited Jakub Kiwior, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard in January, they could do with more options in midfield to cover for the likes of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, whilst extra cover for Bukayo Saka could be a useful addition given he has started every league game this season as other attackers Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus have spent time out injured.
Arteta has already shown a willingness to rotate, with Martinelli benched for the first time in their victory over Aston Villa, as Trossard started, so another top-class wide attacker on the other side could help ease the burden on the two young stars.
