Arsenal appear to be keen to recruit Premier League-proven players in the summer transfer window. The Gunners acquired the services of Kai Havertz, David Raya and Declan Rice from three respective London rivals ahead of the start of the season, and their transfer strategy is not showing any signs of changing.
According to HITC, the Gunners sent scouts to watch Wolves face Brentford over the weekend to watch the performances of Pedro Neto and Ivan Toney. Both stars emerged with credit from the Bees’ victory, with the former hitting the post and the latter scoring Brentford’s second.
The scouts watching fellow Premier League clubs suggest that Mikel Arteta is keen to recruit those who have played in the English top flight this season. Express Sport takes a look at five other proven options…
Douglas Luiz
Arsenal are long-term admirers of Aston Villa star Luiz, and their interest could be reignited at the end of the season. The Brazil international has been in sensational form at Villa Park this season, scoring six and assisting four in 22 league appearances, and any scouts who have watched the 25-year-old are likely to have been impressed.
Kaoru Mitoma
Brighton winger Mitoma has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium previously, and the Japan international continues to show why he is capable of playing at the very top level. The 26-year-old has quick feet and blistering pace, and he could be the ideal player to rotate with Gabriel Martinelli out on the left wing – though his bumper new contract extension with the Seagulls will have seen his price tag increase markedly.
Dominic Solanke
Arsenal are set to be in the market for a striker in the summer, with Toney their top target in that department. However, other options should be explored by the Gunners, including Bournemouth star Solanke. The ex-Liverpool forward has been in flying form at the Vitality Stadium this season, scoring 13 and assisting two, and has emerged as a good option for ‘Big Six’ sides.
Amadou Onana
As well as Luiz, Everton’s Onana has also been shortlisted by Arsenal as a potential target for over 12 months. With the Toffees expected to be forced into offloading several stars to aid their financial situation, numerous scouts will be in attendance at Goodison Park over the coming months in the hope of landing a bargain – and it would be a shock if Arteta has not instructed some of his members of staff to continue keeping tabs on Onana.
Michael Olise
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been tipped to make summer approaches for Olise, and Arsenal may have him among their considerations too. Finding a right-winger to rotate with Bukayo Saka could be incredibly beneficial to Arsenal in the long term and few have shown as much promise as Crystal Palace’s French star Olise this season.