ARSENAL are set to spend big this summer in a bid to launch another title chase.
The Gunners were pipped to the Premier League trophy by Manchester City this season, despite topping the table for 248 days.
Mikel Arteta is now determined to bounce back, but he will have to make some significant improvements to his squad in order to compete with Pep Guardiola’s side again.
Several players have already been linked with a move to North London, including two European champions.
And with the upcoming Premier League season looming, here are five players Arsenal could sign this summer to help mount another title push.
Declan Rice
The 24-year-old midfielder has been Arteta’s top transfer target since January.
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West Ham have already announced that he will be leaving the club this summer, but club chiefs are demanding around £120million for their captain.
The Gunners had a £90m bid rejected earlier this week, but they are expected to launch a second offer worth £100m in the coming days.
A number of other clubs – including Manchester City and Manchester United – have expressed an interest in signing him, but Rice has his sights set on a move to Arsenal.
Should he join the club, the England international would slot straight into Arteta’s core starting line-up with Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in midfield.
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He would significantly strengthen Arsenal’s spine, offering a high level of composure both defensively and going forward.
Ilkay Gundogan
Fresh from winning the Treble with Man City, Gundogan will become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this month.
He has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Barcelona, but the Gunners could have the edge in a transfer race thanks to Arteta’s links to City.
Gundogan would add some much-needed experience to Arsenal’s midfield, especially if they find themselves in another title race.
And despite his age, the 32-year-old proved last season that he is still one of the most gifted players in the Premier League.
No matter what team he signs for, he will undoubtedly be viewed as one of the bargains of the summer.
Kai Havertz
The Gunners have also been heavily linked with a move for Chelsea ace Havertz in recent weeks.
Arteta views him as a priority target, along with Rice.
Arsenal had their opening bid for the attacking midfielder rejected on Friday, but they are set to table another offer next week.
Chelsea want to keep Havertz, but the Germany international reportedly wants to join the North London side.
Havertz could prove to be an excellent addition for Arteta as he can play in several positions.
Chelsea have regularly used him as a striker, but he also has the ability to play in midfield or on the wing.
Joao Cancelo
With Kieran Tierney expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, Arsenal will need to sign another full-back.
Like Gundogan, Cancelo would offer a winning mentality along with plenty of experience.
He has already won three Premier League titles and the FA Cup, so he would be a huge asset to the Gunners in a title race.
Rasmus Hojlund
Arsenal lacked goals at some crucial moments towards the end of the 2022-23 campaign, so Arteta could call in a new striker in order to push for the title next season.
And who better to sign than someone that’s been hailed as the ‘next Erling Haaland’?
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The Gunners have previously expressed an interest in signing Hojlund from Atalanta.
However, the Serie A side are demanding £86m for the 20-year-old.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
