Mikel Arteta has big plans for the summer transfer window involving targets home and abroad as the Gunners prepare to meet Real Madrid in the Champions League
Arsenal and their supporters are preparing for the first leg of a huge Champions League showdown with Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Mikel Arteta’s men may have fallen 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, but they still could make this a truly historic season by lifting the club’s first European Cup. First they will have to navigate their way past the 15-time winners from Spain.
Whether or not the Gunners can defeat European royalty and secure a semi-final place against either Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain, the Arsenal hierarchy will know reinforcements are needed this summer if they are to again mount a title challenge next season – especially in light of the injury crisis that crippled their bid this campaign.
Here’s all the latest transfer gossip from the Emirates Stadium.
Rafael Leao an Arsenal target?
AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has emerged as a potential transfer target for Arsenal.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, via TBR Football, sporting director Andrea Berta has held talks with Spanish winger Nico Williams, 22, of Athletic Club, but that work is also being done on other options.
And it appears Portuguese international Leao is one of them. The 25-year-old, known for his dribbling and speed, has 53 goals in 193 appearances for the Serie A giants.
The report added he is an interesting player to the North London side.
Gyokeres transfer hint
Sporting CP boss Rui Borges has dropped a big Viktor Gyokeres transfer hint as links connecting the Swedish star to Arsenal ramp up.
Borges seems resigned to the fact that Gyokeres will not remain a Sporting CP star for much longer, given the interest in acquiring the services of the 26-year-old goal machine, who has bagged 60 times in 60 league games in Portugal.
Borges said: “Viktor is a player… I think there are no words: it is unlikely that another player of his quality will emerge in our league over the next few years. He is clearly above average.
“Sporting recognised his talent, and here we are. Fortunately, we have him at Sporting. We must make the most of the time we have with him because he is truly exceptional.
“I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games.
“The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal.”
Saka’s new contract
Bukayo Saka has spoken on his future, with the England international declaring he wants to win things in an Arsenal shirt – hinting that he may look to sign a new contract with the Gunners, rather than seeking success elsewhere.
Asked whether he could ease fans’ fears over his future, the 23-year-old winger reaffirmed that he does indeed want to stay in north London.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg against Real Madrid, Saka said: “I want to win. I want to win wearing this badge.
“It’s pretty clear. The fans know how much I love them. I think they love me back… I’m really happy to be here.”
Keeping an eye on Kamara
Arsenal are said to be keeping a close eye on Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara, as they line up midfield reinforcements for the summer transfer window, as per TBR Football.
The Gunners are reported to have tracked the Frenchman’s progress throughout the season and have been impressed with his composure, defensive intelligence, and ability to dictate play from deep.
Kamara, 25, is currently in negotiations over a new contract at Villa. Arsenal know they need to act quick if they want to secure the services of the former Marseille man this summer from their rivals for the Champions League this season.