Mikel Arteta is the driving force behind a shock Arsenal raid on Man City, and a report has detailed two even bigger deals that are in the Spaniard’s sights.
The Gunners may have fallen short in the title race, though manager Mikel Arteta appears determined to double down on the progress his side have made.
Indeed, speculation over a blockbuster summer transfer window is growing and the latest from trusted reporter David Ornstein has shed light on who is being targeted.
Writing for the Athletic, Ornstein revealed Arsenal are preparing a shock swoop for Man City captain, Ilkay Gundogan.
The 32-year-old is out of contract at season’s end and per Fabrizio Romano, is yet to make a decision on what’s next.
The classy midfielder will soon have an offer to stay at City. Romano claimed a one-year deal with an option for a second will be put forward.
However, Barcelona are sizing up a canny free agent coup if Gundogan elects to try a new challenge and per Ornstein, Arsenal are in the mix too.
Indeed, the reporter stated Arsenal hold a ‘concrete interest’ which is being driven by Mikel Arteta. Arteta worked with Gundogan during his time as Pep Guardiola’s No 2 at the Etihad and views him as the ideal replacement for Granit Xhaka.
Xhaka is in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a €15m switch. Gundogan would be viewed as the perfect candidate to fill the leadership void left by the Switzerland international.
Gundogan has found a goalscoring touch in recent seasons, notching 36 across all competitions over the last three campaigns at City.
However, his greatest strengths come through his calmness, composure, leadership, technical skills and ability to control the tempo of his team.
Gundogan to join Rice, Mount at Arsenal?
But while Gundogan would be a stellar coup for Arteta, he’s by no means the only high profile midfielder being chased.
The Times recently reported Arsenal have greenlit a £170m double move for Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.
Caicedo does not get a mention in Ornstein’s report, though Rice does and it’s reiterated the West Ham captain is Arsenal’s ‘main’ transfer target this summer.
Any move is likely to cost in the region of £100m, though Rice’s ultra-consistent displays over recent seasons suggest he’ll be value for money in the long run.
Elsewhere, more creativity in midfield is wanted and that’s where Mason Mount of Chelsea comes in.
It’s acknowledged stiff competition is being provided on that front from Liverpool and Man Utd. However, Arsenal are labelled ‘determined’ to sign both Mount and Rice and Gundogan would be the cherry on top if Xhaka leaves.
Mount is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of next season. Chelsea’s financial situation means they cannot afford to let highly saleable assets leave for nothing or they’ll run the risk of falling foul of Financial Fair Play.
If talks over a new contract do not bear fruit over the coming weeks and months, Mount will be allowed to leave later in the summer.
