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In light of Arsenal’s return to Champions League football for the first time in five years, the club’s board has reportedly authorized a ‘costly summer recruitment drive,’ as the Gunners seek to rejuvenate their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
According to reports, Arsenal has compiled a six-man summer transfer shortlist, which includes Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby, Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Diaby, a France international winger, is said to be a ‘lead target’ for Arsenal, having impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons. The 23-year-old contributed nine goals and seven assists in the recently concluded campaign, and his electrifying pace has earned him comparisons to ‘lightning with a run-up’ by his current employers.
Meanwhile, West Ham’s Declan Rice remains a ‘priority target’ for Arsenal, with the club keen on bolstering their midfield options. The Gunners had been linked with a move for Rice in January, and speculation persists that they will reignite their interest in the England international this summer.
However, if a deal for Rice proves elusive, Arsenal is believed to have identified Southampton’s Lavia and Brighton’s Caicedo as potential alternatives. The latter signed a new long-term contract with Brighton earlier this year, having seen two bids from Arsenal rejected in the January transfer window. Lavia, on the other hand, is expected to be more attainable, particularly if Southampton suffers relegation to the Championship.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is also thought to be on Arsenal’s radar, as the Gunners look to strengthen their defensive options. Guehi joined Palace on a permanent basis last summer after impressing on loan from Chelsea, and his solid performances have attracted interest from several clubs.
It is worth noting, however, that Guehi has three years remaining on his contract with Palace, which could make any potential deal complicated.
Arsenal spent over £100 million on transfers last summer, and it appears that they are prepared to invest heavily once again to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. With the club’s return to Champions League football, the pressure is on Mikel Arteta’s side to deliver, and it will be intriguing to see which players make their way to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
While Arsenal’s reported shortlist contains several exciting names, it remains to be seen which players will ultimately make the move to North London. The Gunners will face stiff competition from rival clubs, and negotiations could prove difficult for some of their targets.
Nonetheless, Arsenal fans will be buoyed by the club’s willingness to invest in the squad and the caliber of players being linked with a move to the Emirates. The upcoming transfer window promises to be an exciting one for Arsenal supporters, as they eagerly await news of new arrivals ahead of the 2023/24 season.
