Arsenal will look to strengthen in at least four areas after Mikel Arteta called on the board to be ‘very ambitious’ in the wake of their Champions League final defeat.
The Arsenal boss knows he needs an upgrade on the left side of his attack, also at striker, right-back and further competition in midfield.
Arsenal’s revenue after this season is likely to nudge the £770million mark with over £300m rolling in from TV money.
There is recognition that some players will need to be sold to balance accounts but Arteta hopes a Premier League title and closer Champions League campaign can convince Stan and Josh Kroenke that a little more investment in the right characters can elevate them to the next level.
With transformations taking place across Premier League rivals, Arteta senses an opportunity to prolong their success.
Although they have been great servants, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ben White and Gabriel Jesus could all depart. The latter has been ready to sign a serious contract and gain British citizenship but would-be suitors have been told the 29-year-old can leave if they offer over £18m.
Barcelona hold an interest in Piero Hincapie, who impressed in the final against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.
Piero Hincapie is admired by Barcelona and Arsenal could make a quick profit
The Ecuador international is due to make his £45m move from Leverkusen permanent but Arsenal could potentially make a quick profit if the bidding was right. Hincapie is happy where he is but could yet get improved terms as a result of the interest.
Real Madrid prospect Victor Valdepenas is a 19-year-old centre back and left back Arsenal have been pursuing.
Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento and team-mate Sandro Tonali have both been discussed as potential targets. Both can leave but neither would be cheap.
Aston Villa’s £80m-rated Morgan Rogers is admired, as is Bournemouth’s exciting young forward Eli Junior Kroupi. The Cherries say he must stay this window but much will depend how big the bidding gets with many of Europe’s elite weighing up offers.
Marcus Rashford wants to stay at Barcelona but his team believe Arsenal could come calling
Arsenal have long admired Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez but his preference is Barcelona. The Spanish champions have not endeared themselves to their La Liga rivals with the manner of their pursuit. They also want £120m for the Argentina forward, which may be beyond Barca. PSG are also in the background as they are prepared to offload Goncalo Ramos and potentially Bradley Barcola.
Many are wondering where Barca’s recruitment drive leaves Marcus Rashford. His desire is to continue with Hansi Flick but if circumstances force him out, Arsenal are one of the clubs his entourage believe could come knocking if the price is right – alongside Chelsea, Bayern Munich and potentially even Barca’s great rivals Real Madrid.
Brentford’s Igor Thiago is another centre forward Arsenal admire but again the process would be high and there will be competition.
Brentford’s Igor Thiago is another player Arsenal have watched – but he wouldn’t come cheap
Beating rivals to the punch has also led them to examine whether West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes could fit into their squad rather than allow him to join Manchester United. The Old Trafford club are also competing with Arsenal for Leicester City’s talented 16-year-old winger Jeremy Monga.
All the talents they desire will not come cheap now. Clubs know Arsenal have the funds – the question is whether they can use it wisely.
‘Fix the roof while the sun is shining,’ was a well-worn proverb put to good use when the Liverpool of old dominated the 1970s and 1980s. It was echoed in commentary by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard on Saturday night. In short, build on your success.
The message is not lost on Mikel Arteta, who pointed out on Saturday night: ‘We start to make some very important decisions if we want to reach another level.
‘And we’re going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it’s going to demand to be very, very ambitious, very fast and very smart.’
