Aston Villa midfielder on radar of Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta
Aston Villa midfielder on radar of Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta
A recent report has provided some insight into Arsenal’s transfer plans going forward, with two Aston Villa stars linked with the Gunners.
Arsenal spend well
Arsenal had a fairly active 2021 summer transfer window this year, during which they brought in six senior players.
All of these players were under the age of 24 at the time of signing, and look set to represent some smart business from the north Londoners.
In Aaron Ramsdale, they appear to have found their new no.1 keeper for years to come.
Martin Odegaard is of course an extremely creative player who still has the potential to develop further.
Albert Sambi Lokonga also looks set for a bright future at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield, though he is still perhaps a year or so away from being ready to start week in, week out.
Elsewhere, a somewhat underappreciated signing at the time, Takehiro Tomiyasu, has already cemented himself as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back amid a string of starring displays.
Finally, Ben White is forming a great partnership with Gabriel at centre-back, whilst Nuno Tavares is a promising young left-back who has shown signs that he could be a regular starter in a few years’ time.
However, though such business has looked solid thus far, it is fair to say that Arsenal are not yet the finished article, and there is still room for improvement
Arteta wants a holding midfielder
For many, the obvious area Arsenal are in need of strengthening in is up top.
Both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are out of contact in the summer of 2022.
Elsewhere, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been placed on the naughty step following a disciplinary breach and has since been linked with a move away from the Emirates.
This could potentially leave Arsenal without any senior strikers come the summer.
As a result, it was not at all surprising when ESPN reported recently that Arteta has a shortlist of strikers to replace Aubameyang at Arsenal.
All of Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ollie Watkins are said to be of interest to the Spaniard.
It is not just up top, though, were Arteta looks to be eyeing fresh legs.
The same report from ESPN claims that Arteta is still keen on a holding midfielder and has Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz on his radar.
Could Arsenal make a double swoop for the Villa pair of Watkins and Luiz?
