Arsenal are reportedly facing competition from Eintracht Frankfurt for a Real Madrid starlet while Peter Schmeichel has urged Manchester United to sign a former Gunner
Arsenal’s accomplishments this season underscore the significance of getting the summer transfer window spot on.
The Gunners splashed out a club record sum exceeding £250million last year to bolster their chances of competing on all fronts in the current campaign – a goal they’ve certainly achieved. Mikel Arteta felt secure enough not to insist on any signings in January, and it remains to be seen whether that was a wise move or not.
One silver lining, however, is that it gives the north London outfit more financial flexibility when the next transfer window rolls around. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta will still need to offload players to finance any spending. But rumours that the Italian has already begun his dealings suggest he’s confident he can pull it off.
Arsenal target in ‘concrete talks’
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Arsenal face stiff competition from Eintracht Frankfurt for the signature of Real Madrid prodigy Victor Valdepenas. The highly-touted 19 year old shares similar attributes with Gunners ace Riccardo Calafiori, boasting impressive technical skills for a defender and the versatility to operate as both a centre-back and left-back, reports the Mirror.
His unusual profile has predictably made him a target for Berta and Arteta. Nevertheless, Sky Sport Germany suggest Frankfurt have now moved ahead in the pursuit of the Los Blancos academy graduate by conducting substantial discussions with Valdepenas’ representatives.
The 6ft 2in youngster’s deal extends for a further three years but it is suggested he possesses a £43million release clause within his contract. Valdepenas has featured once for the senior squad this season. He was allegedly identified by Arsenal as a possible defensive reinforcement earlier this campaign.
Man Utd told to sign Granit Xhaka
Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel has called on the Red Devils to recruit former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka from Sunderland. Xhaka represented the Gunners between 2016 and 2023, even wearing the captain’s armband, before choosing to pursue a fresh opportunity in Germany.
The 33 year old secured a domestic double with Bayer Leverkusen but has been tremendously influential since his Premier League comeback last summer, steering the Black Cats towards mid-table safety. Ex-goalkeeper Schmeichel reckons United bosses should target the experienced Swiss international this summer.
However, Xhaka switching to Arsenal’s fierce rivals would probably leave Arteta ruing his decision, having been hesitant to sanction his departure initially and being fully aware of his capabilities. Schmeichel voiced his opinion on Xhaka on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast: “I think we should go and sign Xhaka. I make my case, what we are going to do is build the team around Kobbie Mainoo, right.
“Now, Casemiro is leaving. Now you bring in somebody like Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson whatever… that’s still young, that’s still untried. What we need and what we don’t really have apart from Harry and Bruno in that team is proper leadership.
“When I look at what Xhaka’s done for Sunderland, Xhaka is the reason they are where they are. He has been absolutely amazing, his leadership qualities are great, he can play 80 per cent of the games, he’s a really good player. We’re desperate for more leadership.”