Mikel Arteta has stressed the importance of Arsenal’s recruitment this summer as they aim to become consistent title challengers.
The Gunners are set to invest heavily to make quality additions for next season, targeting players who can help them compete in the Champions League.
Declan Rice is their top target, with two midfielders, a center-back, and possibly another forward on their radar. While they retain an interest in Moises Caicedo, they are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and have an interest in Mason Mount. However, Liverpool are viewed as favorites to sign the midfielder.
Arsenal have pushed Manchester City in the title race this season and can regain the top spot in the Premier League by beating Chelsea at Emirates Stadium tonight. Arteta and the Kroenke owners want to compete for major trophies consistently and are preparing to return to the Champions League for the first time in six years.
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Arteta said, “We are going to have to nail the recruitment because we know that we are going to have to play at a different level, and the demands are going to be even higher.”
The Gunners are set to earn a minimum of an extra £50 million from being in the Champions League next season, and player sales could boost their transfer budget if they decide to cash in on players such as forward Folarin Balogun and left-back Kieran Tierney.
Balogun is wanted by clubs across Europe after scoring 18 goals in Ligue 1 on loan at Reims this season. Meanwhile, Tierney has lost his place in the team to Oleksandr Zinchenko and is a target for Newcastle. Midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga and left-back Nuno Tavares, who have both been out on loan this season, also have uncertain futures.
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While Manchester City is in pole position to win the Premier League, Arteta refuses to give up on the title. Arsenal is without a win in four matches, but Arteta hopes his team can play with more freedom in the final five games now the title is no longer in their hands. The Gunners finish the season with games against Newcastle, Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Wolves.
Arsenal remains without center-back William Saliba, who is still out with a back injury and faces a fight to play again this season.
Rob Holding is set to continue at center-back alongside Gabriel, while Jorginho could come into the Arsenal midfield against his former club.
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