Arsenal are reportedly pursuing a potential £140m double deal, while facing competition to sign ‘the next Alexis Sanchez’ as the Gunners look to bolster their squad ahead of a Premier League title defence
It’s been a subdued beginning to the summer transfer window for Mikel Arteta, but activity could well ramp up this month. The Arsenal manager has secured the permanent services of Piero Hincapie following the defender’s loan stint last season, yet new signings have so far been elusive.
One focus of Arteta’s strategy is anticipated to be strengthening his midfield resources ahead of another campaign where they’ll contest on all four fronts and aim to retain their Premier League crown.
The north London outfit have been linked with an eye-watering double deal worth £140million, which has earned the approval of a former Gunners star. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest narratives emerging from the Emirates.
Gunners on high alert
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The Gunners are looking to enhance their attacking arsenal in preparation for their title defence next season, with Arteta reportedly set to face stiff competition in the chase for Dario Osorio. The 22-year-old Midtjylland winger, dubbed the ‘next Alexis Sanchez’, played a pivotal role in Mike Tullberg’s side clinching the Danish Cup last season, scoring eight goals and supplying 10 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
The Chilean’s contract runs until June 2030 and while the Gunners represent an appealing option, the Midtjylland sporting director has confirmed that Arsenal aren’t the sole Premier League or European club pursuing their rising star. According to ADN Deportes, as quoted by Sport Witness, Osorio is now being targeted by Benfica.
The report suggests that recently-appointed manager Marco Silva was an admirer of the forward during his stint at Fulham and now intends to secure his move to Lisbon. Midtjylland have yet to establish an official price tag for the 22-year-old, with the report indicating he could be obtainable for £10.3million (€10.3m) to £12.9m (€15m).
Speaking to Chilean outlet ADN Deportes, Kristian Kjaer said: “We know Arsenal have been interested in Osorio, but we also know other Premier League clubs have been the same. In my opinion, the Premier League suits him very well because he has a very hard-working mentality.
“His defensive transitions are incredible, his top speed is incredible. He’s a left-footed right winger who can go to either side of his direct opponent. He has everything. In Chile, he’s considered the next Alexis Sánchez. I think he can make a difference in the Premier League.”
Kroenke told to give approval
Arsenal’s midfield has also been identified as a position requiring enhancement for Arteta, who has set his sights on Newcastle standout Bruno Guimaraes, while Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with a switch to north London.
The Brazilian has been on the Gunners’ radar since his time at Lyon and is currently estimated to be worth £80m. The Moroccan carries a reported valuation of £60m and counts Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta among his admirers, who has reportedly engaged in talks with the midfielder’s agents.
Former Gunners ace Emmanuel Petit, who knows a thing or two about gifted midfielders and is a World Cup winner, believes Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke should sanction the £140m double acquisition.
Speaking to Jackpot City Casino, he stated: “Bruno Guimaraes is a good player. If you add Ayyoub Bouaddi as well, there are some great options out there for Arsenal. But as I said, they need to clear some positions first, which means they have to sell some players.
“We will see at the end of the transfer market who comes after they sell players. If they buy more midfield players, they already have Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Odegaard. They probably need one or two more, but you have to keep everyone happy and manage the rotation of the team.
“When you need to add quality, you need to keep possession of the ball. We didn’t see that against Paris Saint-Germain. They have been the best team in the world for the last two seasons and have the greatest midfield players in terms of possession. But players like Guimaraes can hold the ball.”