Arsenal are primed to launch an offensive for a top midfield target, to sit alongside Declan Rice.
The move could well be the first without Edu Gaspar. The Brazilian yesterday resigned as sporting director, signalling a likely change in the club’s transfer strategy moving forward, as manager Mikel Arteta adapts off the field without his righthand man.
Edu has been close to Arteta ever since hiring the Basque boss five years ago – but as Arteta’s influence grows, he could see more of his transfer targets come to fruition in Arsenal’s new backroom structure.
Declan Rice became Arsenal’s all-time record signing when he joined the Gunners from fellow London club, West Ham United, in the summer of 2023, making an instant impact in the title race last term.
The England international is ranked at no.2 in FourFourTwo’s list of the best defensive midfielders in the world right now, but seemingly has a perpetual debate hanging over him as to his best position – whether No.6 or No.8 – and who should play alongside him for club and country. Arteta opted with Jorginho to great success last season, since moving Rice a little further forward to accommodate new buy Mikel Merino.
The north Londoners are reportedly one of several stars eyeing up the Swede, who has no release clause in the Bundesliga. He has caught the eye this season with his progressive performances from midfield, steadily developing since arriving from Malmo in 2023.
