Arsenal transfers: Arteta recruitment plan explained as Fabrizio Romano reveals strategy for huge summer capture

Neil Foster 17 Jun 2023 8:05 PM

Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, James Maddison, England, March 2023

Famed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insists Arsenal will only bring in new faces if they are completely convinced of a player’s suitability for the club.

The Gunners enjoyed an excellent 2022-2023, finishing second behind treble-winning Manchester City. They more than matched Pep Guardiola’s superstars for the majority of the season. However, the north Londoners faltered at the business end of the campaign as City pulled away.

The reward was a return to the Champions League. That means added pressure on the squad and Arteta has been tipped to strengthen accordingly.

They have been linked with many players since the end of last season. And a report on Saturday claimed the first of five possible signings will arrive next week.

However, Romano is adamant that Arteta will not waste any of the club’s valuable resources.

And the Italian journalist has lifted the lid on the thinking behind recent recruitment at the Emirates.

“For Arsenal, it is always important in the line of strategy. They go for the player if they are 100% convinced. Otherwise, they prefer to wait,” he told GIVEMESPORT.

“Look at Raphinha, for example. Last summer, they wanted Raphinha but had no chance to agree on a fee for him.

“So, they decided to wait until January to sign any winger in Trossard. So, this is why, for Arsenal, it’s important to find the right player in the right position.”

Rice is right man for Arteta

Romano’s insight into Arenal’s transfer philosophy suggests they will continue their pursuit of Declan Rice.

The England midfielder is set to leave West Ham United this summer. He will end his stint at the London Stadium in perfect fashion, having lifted the Europa Conference League trophy.

Hammers chief David Moyes has never deviated from the club’s valuation for Rice, insisting he will not leave for less than £100m.

Indeed it was suggested midway thorough the season that he could fetch as much as £120m.

Arsenal have made no secret of the fact they want the Londoner on board. They are reported to have tabled a bid in the region of £80m, which was immediately rejected.

The Gunners hierarchy knew it would not be accepted and will return with a second offer next week.

Arteta and sporting director Edu are convinced that Rice is the man to help bridge the gap to City.

MailSport are suggesting that they will next offer around £100m for the West Ham captain.

Granit Xhaka’s expected departure to Bayer Leverkusen will leave a void in midfield that Rice could fill.

And they seem determined to continue their pursuit of the 24-year-old schemer.

City are another club that have been mentioned in connection with the superstar. They already have Rice’s England colleague Kalvin Phillips on their books.

However, the ex-Leeds man has yet to make any real impact at the Etihad.

But most things point to Arsenal getting their man. They are clearly ‘100% convinced’ he is worth the big bucks.

Arsenal Mikel Arteta