Arsenal are due for a squad overhaul after finishing outside the top 4 for the first time in Arsene Wenger’s reign. It was not the only that happened for the first time in the Frenchman’s 20-year-long reign with the Gunners also finishing behind arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the first time in all these years and this has prompted talks about a power shift in North London.
The gap between the Emirates outfit and the other top clubs has been growing steadily over the past years and it has come to the point where Arsene Wenger’s side need to spend extensively to catch up with their rivals. Thankfully, the Gunners have been linked with a host of stars and have also repeatedly bid a world record amount for Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe.
So, without further ado, we take a look at the 5 players Arsenal are close to signing this summer:
#5 Alexandre Lacazette
The Lyon striker has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal and according to the latest reports, is extremely close to signing for Arsene Wenger’s side, some are even reporting that the final few kinks are being ironed out.
The Frenchman brings incredible goalscoring pedigree to the Gunners having scored 91 goals in the last three seasons for The Kids. With Arsenal’s creative quality he can certainly add to his tally from previous seasons and become the 30-goals a season striker they have missed since the departure of Robin van Persie.
It is being reported that the Gunners are splashing a club record fee in the region of £50 million for the 26-year-old. Lacazette was close to signing for Atletico Madrid earlier in the month but due to the transfer ban imposed on the Spanish outfit, the transfer couldn’t be completed and it looks like Arsenal benefitted from that.
#4 Jean-Michael Seri
Jean-Michael Seri was a revelation for Nice in midfield last season, helping the club finish the season in 3rd place in Ligue 1. Arsenal’s struggles in midfield last season is well documented and with Santi Cazorla’s footballing future uncertain, it is wise that the Gunners go after a complete midfielder and the 25-year-old is the perfect option;
The Ivory Coast midfielder is a wanted man with some of the Europe’s biggest clubs including Barcelona and Roma interested in his services. It has been reported that the Serie A giants have been put off by the huge transfer valuation of the 25-year-old, with Nice reportedly asking £35 million for him. The money will not be a problem for the Gunners who are loaded with cash.
The Emirates outfit definitely need to sign a midfielder if they are to legitimately challenge for top honours. There is uncertainty regarding the future of Jack Wilshere, who was on loan with Bournemouth last season and it is more than likely that the Englishman will be sold. Seri will be the perfect option for the Gunners as he will add bite to their midfield, while being an upgrade on both Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny.
#3 Thomas Lemar
Arsenal are battling their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the services of the 22-year-old Frenchman. Lemar has established himself as one of the hottest prospects in all of Europe and played a pivotal role in Monaco’s title-winning campaign last year, while also helping them reach the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League.
Blessed with pace, a deft touch and the ability to play a killer pass, Lemar will be the ideal left-winger that Arsene Wenger has wanted in his side for a few years now. Alexis Sanchez currently plies his trade down the left flank and while there is uncertainty regarding his future, he can also thrive down the right-wing or as a striker, which will allow Arsenal to field Lemar in their starting line-up.
The 22-year-old amassed 14 goals for the Stade Louis II outfit last season, along with 17 assists, unbelievable numbers for a young player who spent most of his season on the wings. It is being reported that Monaco have turned down Arsenal’s initial bid for Lemar, which was believed to be in the region of £36 million. However, it is only a matter of time before the Gunners agree a fee with the Ligue 1 champions.
#2 Leon Goretzka
Leon Goretzka has slowly but surely established himself as one of the best upcoming midfielders in the world. The Schalke man has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, as he has only one year left on his current contract.
The 22-year-old was quizzed about his future during the FIFA Confederations Cup and although he didn’t rule out a move to Arsenal, he insisted that he is focussing on the national team at the moment.
"I do not want to say anything about the transfer rumours. I'm focusing on the Confederations Cup. I'm not going to give state-of-play updates, but if there are facts, I will announce them. I'm not the type to be impressed by newspaper reports, I know what my qualities are, but I will not build myself up." ~ Leon Goretzka
Goretzka helped Germany reach the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup playing a starring role. The Schalke midfielder is the tournament’s joint top-scorer alongside teammate Timo Werner, having notched up 3 goals already, two of which came in the 4-1 win over Mexico in the semi-finals.
Adept with playing anywhere across midfield, Goretzka will be a prized catch for the Gunners and will improve their quality immensely. However, how Arsenal convince the 22-year-old to ignore the interest from Bayern Munich and sign for them, remains to be seen.
#1 Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbapee has established himself as the hottest prospect in the world of football at just 18 years of age after an incredible breakthrough season for Monaco, which saw him plunder goals for fun. The teenager notched up 26 goals in all competitions last season, which included 6 scored in the Champions League alone as Leonardo Jardim’s side crashed out in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Such is the quality of Mbappe that it has been reported that both Real Madrid and Arsenal have had world-record bids rejected for the Frenchman, while it is believed that even Paris-Saint Germain are also willing to offer up to €130 million for his services.
Mbappe is a once in a generation player and has been likened with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. If Arsene Wenger is able to pull off this signing, it will be the biggest statement of intent by the Gunners. Not only will they get arguably Europe’s hottest property, Mbappe will guarantee goals and is only going to improve from here. However, expect the Frenchman to only move for a world-record fee.
