ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta is almost certain to make wholesale changes to his squad this summer.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks destined to leave with a host of clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, interested.
Arsenal could raid the Bundesliga this summer to bolster their squad
Then there’s the future of Granit Xhaka – after his X-rated rant at Arsenal fans – Mesut Ozil and a host of other big-name stars.
There’s little doubt the Gunners will need to sell before they can buy – and even then, there won’t be any mega-bucks deals thanks to the coronavirus lockdown.
Arsenal chiefs could well turn to Germany for some elite talent that’s available on a budget.
And with the Bundesliga set to return THIS weekend, we’ve taken a look at five players they could – or perhaps should – turn to in the transfer window.
KAI HAVERTZ
Kai Havertz has been linked with a move to England this summer
THE Bayer Leverkusen star, 20, is no big secret…
Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are all chasing the seven-cap Germany international this summer.
But his incredible performances have seen him compared to Michael Ballack in recent months.
With Ozil surely no longer a Gunners player next season, Havertz could be the creative spark they so desperately need.
Leverkusen are unlikely to want to sell, but he would still prove a far cheaper option than some other big-name midfielders in Europe.
DAYOT UPAMECANO
Upamecano is being linked with a £50m move to Arsenal
ARSENAL are long-time admirers of the powerful RB Leipzig centre-back.
The towering French defender has a release clause in his contract that would see him cost the Gunners just £50million.
That’s an absolute steal for a player of his quality – particularly given that his style lends itself to that of Arteta’s system.
Upamecano combines the old school power with new-age ability to bring the ball into midfield with ease.
With compatriot William Saliba returning to the club from his loan at Saint-Etienne this summer, Arsenal could have a centre-back pairing for the next decade sorted.
TIMO WERNER
Timo Werner is being chased by Liverpool and Chelsea, but Arsenal should consider a swoopCredit: Getty Images – Getty
ANOTHER big-name star seemingly every Premier League giant is chasing, Werner could also come cheaply.
The striker also has a release clause of just £52m and with Aubameyang seemingly gone, Arsenal will need to bring in another elite striker pronto.
While Chelsea and Liverpool are also on the prowl, they have – as yet – not made their move.
If Arteta gets his skates on, he could land the German for well below his true market value and have a star ready for next season.
JEROME BOATENG
Arsenal could make a move for Bayern star BoatengCredit: Getty – Contributor
SHOULD Arsenal fail to land Upamecano – either beaten to the punch by a rival or being unable to afford his £50m tag – then Boateng would prove a superb option.
The Bayern Munich legend, still only 31, would cost a fraction of Upamecano’s fee at around £4m.
Arsenal have already registered an interest in Boateng – but face competition from London rivals Chelsea.
Boateng has a number of good years ahead of him and having slipped down the pecking order at Bayern may enjoy one last move to a Big Five club.
FILIP KOSTIC
Arsenal should consider a move for left-winger Filip Kostic
AFTER spending £72m to bring in Nicolas Pepe, Arsenal realised they spent a huge chunk on a winger with no out-and-out star to stick on the other flank.
The Gunners have Bukayo Saka who can play on the left wing, but he’s been utilised at left-back often this season due to the club’s injury crisis.
So to ensure Pepe can squeeze into the team, Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have been shoehorned out wide for huge chunks of the season.
Signing a genuine winger of top quality, like left-sided Eintracht Frankfurt star Kostic, would go a long way to helping both Pepe and the club as a whole.
Kostic has scored four goals and aded nine assists in 23 Bundesliga games so far this season.
Arsenal stars leave training as they become first Premier League club to return after 47 days of isolation
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
