Arsenal
Premier League • England
Arteta in ruthless Arsenal cull with senior star to be axed and top-class replacement eyed
Mikel Arteta is showing no signs of being sentimental with his squad as he is looking to get a senior player to follow Granit Xhaka out of the exit door, with Arsenal reportedly trying to get a high-quality replacement in this summer.
Xhaka has just enjoyed a great season with Arsenal, registering seven goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League games to help the Gunners challenge for the title, which they ultimately lost to Manchester City. The midfielder ended the campaign by netting a brace as Arsenal thrashed Wolves 5-0.
But that will likely be the last time Arsenal fans see Xhaka playing for them, as he is set to head back to Germany. Xhaka represented Borussia Monchengladbach before joining Arsenal, but he is now expected to sign for Bayer Leverkusen in a £13million deal.
The Switzerland star will be allowed to leave as long as Arsenal manage to capture Declan Rice from West Ham. Arsenal have had an opening offer worth £80m rejected by the Irons, though they are expected to come back with an improved bid worth £100m. This should be enough to strike a deal.
The only problem for Arsenal is that City are continuing to make enquiries over Rice and could come in with a rival offer, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Xhaka is not the only regular Arsenal starter who might depart the Emirates ahead of next term, with fellow midfielder Thomas Partey also set to go.
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are ‘willing to cash in on the Ghana international’ as long as a suitable replacement can be identified.
Arsenal acknowledge that the performances of Partey and Xhaka helped their title push massively last season. But the pair are now 30 years old, which means Arteta is aiming to move them on and refresh the midfield.
Arsenal in midfield overhaul
The report states that Arsenal ‘want to rebuild the midfield around captain Martin Odegaard and Rice’, as long as they manage to sign the latter ahead of City.
If Rice is successfully signed, then Arsenal sporting director Edu will turn his attention to another top-class midfielder who can succeed from Partey.
Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is described as a ‘long-term target’, but he is far more likely to join Chelsea this summer.
The Telegraph reiterate the fact Arsenal are interested in City skipper Ilkay Gundogan. The North London side have been heavily linked with Gundogan in recent months as Arteta is a big admirer of his.
Arsenal were recently given a boost as the German was not included on City’s retained list, although contract talks remain ongoing between the two parties. Alongside Arsenal, there has also been interest from Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund in him.
While the decision to sell Partey could be viewed as being harsh, these are the kinds of moves Arteta will have to sanction if Arsenal are to ever get the better of City and win a Prem title.
Citizens boss Pep Guardiola is known for his ability to revamp and improve squads even after they have won illustrious trophies. This keeps the team fresh and energised, while also sending a message to the players who remain that their place at the club is not always guaranteed.