It was anticipated that Arsenal would be signing a midfielder in the summer transfer window to give Mikel Arteta better options in that position. However, with the uncertain future of Granit Xhaka, it may lead to the Gunners needing to sign two players.
According to Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma boss Jose Mourinho is determined to bring Xhaka to the club this summer. The report goes on to say that the Switzerland international is the first name on Mourinho’s shortlist in the window.
The Gunners had already needed a midfielder in the window regardless of Xhaka’s future. But with the 29-year-old potentially leaving the club, Edu would certainly need to bring in two players.
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Youri Tielemans and Houssem Aouar would certainly be the most ideal and realistic players for Arsenal to sign. A double deal for midfielders could cost the Gunners only £38m.
CBS Sports have reported that the Gunners are currently the front runners to sign Youri Tielemans. Arsenal reportedly already know that the Belgian will not sign a new deal and could be available for as little as £25m.
The 24-year-old has been a regular in the Premier League for the last three seasons and has played a big part in Leicester’s Champions League push over the last few campaigns. The midfielder’s impressive performances have seen the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid show interest in him.
He has already played in 20 Champions League games showing that he has the necessary European experience. With Arsenal striving for their own top-four push, this will be an added bonus, and a deal Edu should look to complete.
According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, Real Betis are interested in signing Aouar in the summer. The report goes on to say that Lyon valued him at £12.6m. Earlier in the season, Italian news outlet Calciomercato claimed that the Gunners are keen on signing Aouar. The midfielder has changed his agent which could be a game-changer from the previous attempt to sign him.
The Lyon man managed to score seven goals from midfield in 30 league games last season. This was more than the goals scored in the league by Arsenal’s central midfield combined (5).
Aouar would be an excellent signing by Arsenal and it is a deal they should be pursuing. The Gunners will need strengthening in the midfield position, and the Lyon man would be an ideal candidate judging by the types of midfielders that Edu has been targeting ahead of next season. A transfer value of £12.6m would be a steal for the Gunners and prevents Edu from being financially strained when looking to strengthen other areas of the team.
If Xhaka was to leave the club, then Tielemans and Aouar would certainly be the ideal double transfer for Arsenal. Edu should take comfort in knowing that Arsenal will not have to overspend on his midfield targets in the summer transfer window.