Mikel Arteta’s summer transfer budget revealed as Arsenal plot blockbuster move with war chest

Arsenal are still in the hunt for the Premier League title, but the preparations for next season have already begun behind the scenes.

The Gunners currently sit second in the table and are one point behind Manchester City. With a game in hand, Pep Guardiola’s side are now expected to win the league.

Despite their wobble towards the end, this season has been a huge leap forward for Arsenal. The return of Champions League football is also bound to make them a more attractive club next season.

Mikel Arteta will be well aware that several positions need strengthening in the summer and a fresh report has revealed what finances he will be working with.

According to talkSPORT, Arteta will have around £150million to spend in the next window. Arsenal have recruited well under Arteta so far and this summer will be another chance to improve.

The Gunners boast the youngest squad in the Premier League and they are likely to snap up some upcoming stars in the following months.

Holding midfield is likely to be a priority position for Arsenal to improve next and West Ham’s Declan Rice has popped up on their radar.

Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have both had dips in form of late and could use the added competition next season.

Along with Rice, the likes of Moises Caidedo and Romeo Lavia continue to be linked with a move to North London.

Arsenal’s other targets

The Gunners are also expected to add some more firepower to their squad. Arsenal have scored plenty of goals this season, but more competition can only be healthy.

A wide forward is being considered as the likes of Moussa Diaby and Wilfried Zaha have been mentioned. Zaha is out of contract in the summer and would be available on a free transfer.

Despite the Gunners interest in the Crystal Palace winger, former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna thinks they should look elsewhere.

“I don’t [think a move to Arsenal makes sense for Zaha],” Sagna told Sporting Post.

“He’s 30 years old and whilst I love the player a lot and have always been a fan, Arsenal need to be focusing on signing players around 23 or 24 years old.

“There was a time when they were signing players even younger at 20, which is too young, but 23/24 is the perfect age they should be recruiting quality players at.”

Bayer Leverkusen’s Diaby would be a younger alternative to someone like Zaha. The 23-year-old has impressed this year, scoring 14 goals in all competitions.

His contract with the Bundesliga club is only due to last until 2025 and so they could look to cash in on him this summer.

Reports have suggested that Bayer Leverkusen would want to receive a transfer fee in the region of €60million (£53m). Along with Arsenal, Newcastle have also been monitoring his situation.

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