Arsenal transfer targets summer 2024: Arteta eyeing player plus cash move for hat-trick hero

Arsenal continued their upward trajectory in 2023/24, but still finished two points behind four-peat winners Manchester City. Arsenal transfer targets have been drawn up, with the aim of closing that gap.

The Gunners' summer 2023 transfers all helped them draw closer to City, with Declan Rice a smash hit and David Raya and Kai Havertz both proving doubters wrong to become key components.

Jurriën Timber unfortunately missed all but the first and final moments of the season, but impressed when available.

Aside from Rice, Arsenal's deals all happened rather quickly and out of the blue, making it hard to predict the Gunners' movements.

Arsenal transfer targets – Latest rumours

It is widely reported that Arsenal's priority is adding depth and variety to their already strong squad.

Hot rumours

Raphinha

With Pedro Neto now at Chelsea, the Gunners are now casting their net wider for a wide attacker to add to their front three.

In recent days, reports from Spain have indicated that cash-strapped Barcelona are open to offers for Raphinha.

The former Leeds winger was the subject of strong interest from Arsenal back in summer 2022, but the Brazilian had his heart set on playing for the Blaugrana.

Raphinha would make a lot of sense. The 27-year-old has proven himself in the Premier League, can play from both the left and right, and possesses the blistering speed Arsenal need to add in their attack.

He is also a strong one-on-one dribbler, and has averaged 0.8 goals and assists per 90 minutes for Barcelona.

Raphinha will be reluctant to leave Barca. But with his club struggling to find the financial room to register new players like Dani Olmo, he may have little choice as the window rumbles on.

Mikel Merino

Arsenal have long been linked to Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, but according to Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Merino has emerged on Arteta's “list”.

Merino largely plays as a left-sided number eight and recently scored the winner for European Championship winners Spain in their quarter-final win over Germany.

Formerly of Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund, the 28-year-old is a complete midfielder, capable of breaking up play, scoring goals, spraying passes around or charging forward with the ball.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Merino has agreed personal terms with the Gunners, and the two clubs are approaching total agreement on a fee of around £25m.

Eberechi Eze

A very different kind of addition to Arsenal's engine room could be Crystal Palace wizard Eberechi Eze.

The Daily Mail reports that Eze has a £60m release clause, and the 25-year-old is being monitored by a host of top Premier League sides, including the Gunners.

It has been a long and winding road to the top for Eze. He was actually on the Gunners' books until the age of 13 but was released.

This season, he stepped up yet another level, scoring 11 and assisting another four in 27 appearances.

Eze would add an unpredictable flair to the Arsenal midfield, and he could step up yet again when playing with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard on a regular basis.

To bring Eze back after 13 years, however, the Gunners will face stiff competition.

Victor Osimhen

A rumour that was very hot in the first half of 2023/24 was Osimhen to Arsenal.

With the Gunners struggling to settle on a striker, they were reportedly strongly considering a move for Napoli's superstar striker.

However, rumours cooled when Havertz announced himself as the Gunners' number nine in the Spring.

But with Benjamin Šeško now unavailable, the Gunners may return for the Super Eagle, and rumours linking the striker to the Emirates are gaining traction online once more.

Athletes of Osimhen's calibre are rare, and he could certainly add a Haaland-like quality to their attack.

Osimhen signed a new contract with a £113m release clause last season, but it is looking increasingly likely that Napoli will accept far less than that.

New Napoli manager Antonio Conte is desperate to reunite with Romelu Lukaku in Naples, at Osimhen's expense. This could strengthen Arsenal's hand.

Nico Williams

However, we think it much more likely that the Gunners will prioritise a wide option over a striker this summer.

Nico Williams is atop many elite clubs' shopping list, including Liverpool and Barcelona.

The Athletic Bilbao speedster had an incredible 2023/24, scoring five and assisting 11 in La Liga, and helping his club to their first silverware in 40 years.

He is one of the best one-on-one dribblers in the world, ranking in the 93rd percentile or higher for progressive carries and successful take-ons.

The 21-year-old can also play on the left or right, meaning he could cover either Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli.

He reportedly has a £43m release clause in his contract, a bargain for a player of his calibre.

The biggest stumbling blocks to this move are his huge €200,000 per week wages and his loyalty to Bilbao, which may see him stay to play Champions League football with his boyhood club.

Ademola Lookman

An interesting link that has emerged in the last few days is with Ademola Lookman, who has enjoyed a superb two seasons at Atalanta.

Lookman has scored 32 and assisted a further 15 since his 2022 move, making a direct goal contribution every 101 minutes. His career ascended to new heights with a hat-trick in the Europa League final, inflicting Bayer Leverkusen's only loss of 2023/24.

Arsenal, according to reports in Italy, are willing to offer £42.5m, plus Jakub Kiwior the other way for the Nigerian.

With Eddie Nketiah seemingly close to a move to Nottingham Forest, Lookman would offer a versatile and talented refresh to Arsenal's forward options.

Lookman can play right across the front three, and his pace and venomous finishing would make him a unique weapon in Mikel Arteta's armoury.