Arsenal prepare colossal €70m offer to tempt former star back to Emirates as Arteta settles on dream new central midfield axis

Arsenal are ready to make a huge £62m offer to Valencia to tempt them into the sale of Yunus Musah, with the player one of two new midfielders that Mikel Arteta plans to sign.

The Gunners have enjoyed an excellent season under Arteta’s tutelage, pushing Manchester City all the way in the title race. And while their challenge hs just run out of steam in recent weeks, their young side can take huge pride in their efforts.

Indeed, they have easily secured their primary objective this season in returning to the Champions League. And with a return to Europe’s top table now secured, the Gunners are making plans to further strengthen their squad.

While Arteta moved to sign Jorginho from Chelsea in a £13m deal in January, the Gunners boss still seemingly wants to add to his midfield.

And reports in Spain claim Arsenal are planning a huge bid to tempt Valencia into the sale of Musah.

The 20-year-old American started his career with Arsenal, signing up with the Gunners at the age of nine.

And while he was very well regarded by their academy coaches, he left the club in summer 2019 before he could make his debut.

That took Musah to Valencia and while he started out in their reserve team, he made his senior debut for Los Che before his 18th birthday.

He has since gone on to play 105 times for the LaLiga side, becoming one of the first names on their teamsheet.

Musah has also become a regular for his country, and already had 25 caps for the USA to his name.

However, Valencia have struggled badly this season and currently sit 17th, outside the relegation zone on goal difference only.

READ MORE: Arsenal target ‘keen to quit’ Prem rivals as Gunners return following explosive January saga

Arteta eyes Musah return to Arsenal

Should they go down, they will have little choice but to sell their top stars, with Musah among those attracting interest.

Now according to Fichajes, Arsenal are preparing a huge swoop to bring Musah back to Emirates Stadium.

They claim the Gunners are allocating a bid worth £62m (€70m) to tempt Valencia to sell. Even if they don’t go down, Valencia would likely find the offer impossible to resist with finances tight.

Furthermore, the chance to test himself in the Champions League is likely to be enough to convince Musah to make the move.

However, he looks unlikely to be the only midfielder targeted by Arsenal this summer. Indeed, their No 1 target remains West Ham skipper Declan Rice.

With just a year left on his deal, the Hammers are gearing up for the loss of their influential star. He will want to end his time there on a high by winning the UEFA Conference League.

But long term he wants to test himself at a higher level. And Rice has made no secret of his wish to play in the Champions League.

Accepting he’s ready to leave, West Ham are reportedly plotting a move for a £30m replacement from the Bundesliga.

And with Arsenal ready to open talks, reports on Saturday claim the Hammers have set Arsenal a price for Rice.

As a result, Arteta wants to go into next season with five quality central midfield options at his disposal.

However, despite also having Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey to call on, his preferred axis could well be Rice and Musah next season if Arteta lands his targets.

READ MORE ~ Transfer Gossip: West Ham name their price for Rice as Arsenal prepare to open talks