Summer Shopping Spree: Who Will Be Arsenal's Top Transfer Targets?

While Arsenal will largely be focusing on trying to win the Premier League and closing out the 2023/24 season in the perfect way, there will be some upstairs that will already be working away on potential transfer targets.

Before we know it, the summer transfer window will be upon us and this year’s could be a little more hectic than others to have been experienced recently. The 2024 European Championships and the 2024 Copa America will both be taking place, as will the 2024 Olympics during this period.

Quality players that Arsenal will be interested in will likely be representing their nations at the respective tournaments that they have qualified for, meaning there could be a little more work needed to be done in terms of trying to get a deal done.

What positions do Arsenal need to get in this summer?

Given that the Gunners are part of a three-horse race for the Premier League title this season, it could be suggested that Mikel Arteta’s side doesn’t need too many reinforcements this summer. Indeed, a few fresh faces could be good, just like it was last summer in Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and David Raya.

However, any Arsenal fan will tell you that the striker position is one that is in need of addressing. While options are good, they are not great or as strong as the competition around them. Bettors may have noticed this when looking at the Club as a potential betting option in the race for the title.

Ahead of their encounter with Chelsea on April 23, the Gunners are second favorites to win the league with odds of 3.25 on Unibet, a reputable platform that offers sports bet opportunities for punters. Those odds will continue to fluctuate, but with Manchester City’s at 1.73, it would suggest that there is a lot of work to do.

Admittedly, Arsenal haven’t had issues in the goalscoring department, having scored more than any other team (77). This is impressive since they don’t have an all-out goalscorer as a No. 9. Nonetheless, add a proven individual in, and the Gunners might become even more prolific and not drop points where they have.

Elsewhere, it’s been suggested that a left-back could be a priority, as could a new face in the midfield.

Which players are thought to be targets for Arsenal this summer?

Whether Arsenal decide to splash the cash like they did last summer again remains to be seen, but with rumors suggesting that they are interested in the biggest talents in the areas of the field that need enhancing, there could be a significant spend once again.

Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak are all thought to be on the Gunners’ wishlist as potential striker options. None of these individuals are likely to come cheap, while some may be harder to prise away than others. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are unlikely to want to let their star men go to another Premier League club.

Sesko is thought to be the cheaper option as RB Leipzig are understood to have a release clause of €50 million (£42.7m) inserted in his contract. Chelsea and Manchester United could compete for his signature, though. Gyokeres is another talent that will be on the radar of other clubs following his debut season at Sporting, and a move could cost around £86 million due to a clause in his contract.

In terms of left-back, the club may not have to look too far, as Jurrien Timber has started to make his way back from the serious injury he sustained when making his debut for the club. He can play on both the flanks or play as a centre-back. He will be like a new signing and could potentially address a need that is held.

In midfield, there are rumors that money could be used on bringing in a winger, with Wolves’ Pedro Neto continually being linked with The Emirates, as well as Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise is also thought to be a potential target. A defensive midfielder may also be considered, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi rumored.

Could we see players leave Arsenal this summer?

With player arrivals expected at a high-cost, it wouldn’t be a shock if we were to see players depart The Emirates over the course of the summer.

With David Raya’s deal becoming permanent, Aaron Ramsdale may look for a new opportunity elsewhere and could command a big fee. Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Thomas Partey have all become bit-part players as the season has progressed and could be sold on to help raise funds, as could Emile Smith-Rowe, should an offer come in for him.