Arsenal: 5 summer transfer goals and current targets

2. Midfield

Known targets: Douglas Luiz, Youri Tielemans, Ruben Neves, Danilo, Carney Chukwuemeka

Expected departures: Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Mohamed Elneny, Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka (potential)

This is one of the most interesting areas to look at for the summer, as the developments in the Arsenal system have narrowed down the profile of player the Gunners will need.

Thomas Partey is the lone No. 6 and Sambi Lokonga appears to be his heir, while Granit Xhaka has taken up an unorthodox left-sided No. 8 position. That’s the area in need of bolstering/upgrading, which is why some of the transfer targets raise question marks.

Luiz and Neves both operate much deeper and would seem unsuited to the role. Tielemans does play as a box-to-box midfielder for Leicester, yet he is fielded solely on the right side of central midfield, the areas that Odegaard picks up. Nonetheless, Luiz and Tielemans would both be available on the cheap with no contract extensions expected on their respective deals running out in 2023.

Danilo is someone who has been heavily linked to Arsenal in the Brazilian press, so it’s nice to see him mentioned on these shores to give some credence to the rumours. Aston Villa youngster  Chukwuemeka has also entered the discussion, an exciting midfielder who has captained the England Under-19 side.

Both the latter two are younger options, which hints that Arsenal may be in the market for two midfielders in the summer on account of the expected departures.

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