The Arsenal midfield was almost in shambles when manager Mikel Arteta was appointed as the Gunners boss at the end of last year with the likes of Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka on the way out of the club. The two key midfielders were fed up with former manager Unai Emery and they wanted to leave the club in January 2020.
Arteta was able to persuade the players especially Granit Xhaka from leaving the club during the last transfer window at the beginning of the year. The Swiss international had agreed his salary with German Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin but Arteta was able to convince him that his future is at the club.
Arsenal manager Arteta was able to salvage the midfield department and he wants to improve it further by adding a new player at least. According to various reports in the British media, the former Gunners midfielder is keen to sign a defensive midfielder.
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Here are the top three targets for the club in that midfield department this summer:
1. Thomas Partey – The Atletico Madrid midfielder is the number one target for the Gunners this summer though his Spanish La Liga giants are desperate to hand him a new deal. Arsenal will have to pay the £46m release clause in his present contract. The Ghanaian international has been in sensational form for Atletico Madrid this season and he would be a good addition to the Gunners squad.
2. Jack Grealish – The Aston Villa skipper could be available this summer especially if the Midlands club don’t survive relegation at the end of the current season. The English midfielder could be the long-term replacement for the ageing Mesut Ozil at the club. Manchester United are also known admirers of the player.
3. Declan Rice – Another young English midfielder in Declan Rice is also a target for the North London giants. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.
