The conclusion of international action in the summer is set to kick the transfer window into gear, with Arsenal one of the few Premier League clubs to take a closer look.
After pushing Manchester City all the way into the title race for two consecutive seasons, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s aim in 2024/25 is to improve. With Pep Guardiola likely to leave the club at the end of the upcoming campaign, Arteta may have one chance to beat his mentor to the crown.
The Gunners need to get organized this summer to ensure their squad is best prepared for another tough season. Deadwood should be removed with high quality added. Arsenal don’t need a fix, they just need the finishing touches.
Here are four Euro 2024 stars who should be targeting the transfer market this summer.
Arsenal are already involved in Italian international Calafiori and just need to negotiate with Bologna to bring the young defender to north London.
After shining for Thiago Motta’s Champions League-bound Rossoblu in an exceptional performance last season, Calafiori made Luciano Spalletti’s Euro 2024 squad and emerged as one of the few bright sparks. It was his trademark lack of defense that set up Mattia Zaccagni’s late equalizer against Croatia in Italy’s final group game.
Calafiori has had a mediocre career as a full-back in his native Germany, but showed his unicorn-like profile last quarter. Very cool and versatile, Calafiori is the kind of Swiss Army knife player that Arteta likes.
The Italian can play multiple roles in the Spanish system, and represents a significant improvement over Arsenal’s current left-back options, which include Jakub Kiwior and the out-of-favour Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Barcelona are leading the race for Spanish hero Williams, although Arsenal are one of the Premier League sides chasing the 22-year-old.
The Spaniard is electrifying on the left side, and his work during the knockout phase showed Williams’ efficiency in the final third. Not only is he a brilliant manipulator in one-on-one situations, Williams can create with a variety of crosses and score with both feet.
The Athletic Club winner is not a joy to watch, and Arsenal are turning their attentions away from a centre-forward in favor of a full-back this summer.
Williams fits the bill for this Gunners outfit. Arsenal need to be more dangerous in transition to ensure they boast a serious threat in big away games, and the lightning-quick 22-year-old will provide the threat needed.
Arsenal will splash the cash in the middle of the park, but who will sign him is up for debate. The profile of their midfield additions will depend on the future of Thomas Partey, and whether Arteta likes to use Declan Rice as a #6 or #8 going forward.
The Gunners will target a midfielder who is comfortable playing in front of the defense and in more advanced positions. Arsenal should look no further than Milan Reijnders.
The Dutch midfielder has characteristics similar to Ilkay Gundogan and has used the Euros to control progress in the middle of the park. Perhaps he is not a natural dictator, but a lovable professional who rarely changes. Reijnders can also carry the ball wonderfully from deep and crash the box when space opens up.
He is a versatile midfielder who excels in Arteta’s many roles. The Spaniard was interested in Gundogan before he left for Barcelona, so the Arsenal boss should at least be proud of the Milan maestro after an impressive Euro.
It would be hard to suggest that Pedri’s injury, sustained during Spain’s quarter-final win, was a blessing in disguise. However, it allowed Olmo to shine and the RB Leipzig star had a big say in his country’s eventual victory.
Having scored off the bench in the round of 16 against Georgia, Olmo grabbed the decisive second goal against France in the semi-final before pulling off a crucial clearance to deny Marc Guehi an equalizer at the death of the final.
Olmo has been a key contributor to Spain’s best team, impressing with his ability in and around the opposition box. He is a tricky customer, and will leave RB Leipzig this summer. Clubs have the option to activate the release clause in his contract before July 20, otherwise, they will have to negotiate with the German club.
The Spaniard’s profile suits both Guardiola and Arteta, with Man City and Arsenal reportedly both interested in him. Imagine Olmo working in collaboration with Martin Odegaard. Dreams.
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