Mikel Arteta and Co will be under no illusions about the task at hand with Arsenal heading into the summer transfer window.
The Gunners painfully finished runners-up in the Premier League last season, losing out to Manchester City on the final day of action, but with that said that feat itself stands as a reason to remain confident in Arteta’s ongoing project.
Frustration ultimately masked progress, advancing closer to their rivals by three points with an increased tally by five. All of this occurred alongside the return of Champions League football to the Emirates Stadium – the club narrowly missing out on the semi-finals – and qualification for next season’s revamped edition has been secured once again.
Desire to usurp Pep Guardiola’s side often leads to added expectation when the transfer window comes around, though patience may be required under current circumstances as Euro 2024, Copa America and the Olympic Games take place this summer. football.london understand by the end of the window, Arsenal are confident Arteta will possess a stronger squad to move on and compete again.
To this end, it is believed needs in the forward line, midfield and the potential addition of a goalkeeper – influenced entirely by departures in the latter department – will be addressed. The idea of a new attacker brings with it most excitement, particularly as Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli produced less than 10 goals each in the entirety of the recent Premier League campaign.
A central midfielder may be less pressing with quality options added over previous years, though a potential exit for Thomas Partey means Gunners chiefs have to be on standby with replacement options. So with this in mind, football.london has taken a look at the players who are tipped to join Arsenal this summer, according to bookmakers bet365.
Victor Osimhen – 3/1 Joint Favourite
Napoli’s transfer gamble failed to pay off as they chose not to cash in on Victor Osimhen after winning the Serie A title in 2023. The striker remains tied to exit rumours – particularly those about a switch to the Premier League – and by that definition bookmakers say it is a close two-horse race between London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea for his signature, with both handed 3/1 odds.
Victor Gyokeres – 3/1
Victor Gyokeres continues to dazzle as one of the continent’s best goalscorers, putting the ball in the back of the net 43 times for Sporting CP last season. He is expected to remain there at least for another year, which is reflected by bookmakers and their favourite odds of 8/13 to stay. That said, if he is to move on then the Gunners are currently listed at 3/1 – better positioned than any of their rivals – to complete the deal.
Pedro Neto – 6/1
The 24-year-old has stood out in Wolves’ squad over the last five seasons, albeit with plenty of injury troubles to hamper his fine progress. Tipped to make the step up to one of the Premier League’s elite this summer, Mikel Arteta’s side are credited with 6/1 odds in the race for his signature. Only remaining at Molineux or making the switch to rivals Man City instead have shorter odds.
Bruno Guimaraes – 9/1
Another close fight with Man City in the transfer market sees Newcastle United’s midfield enforcer tipped with a move to the Etihad Stadium, 2/1, or Arsenal, 9/1. Bruno Guimaraes is currently engaged in Copa America duties with Brazil, though once complete he may be forced into a huge decision by one of the league’s top two teams. However, much to Eddie Howe’s joy he is still currently favourite to remain on Tyneside beyond the summer.
Marcus Rashford – 11/1
In a transfer that would cause shockwaves in English football, Arsenal are in the running to take Marcus Rashford from Manchester United. The attacker was the talk of the nation throughout the 2022/23 campaign, though a dismal recent campaign has seen him miss out and England’s Euro 2024 squad and so exit rumours have cropped up again. The Gunners are 11/1 fourth favourites with bookmakers, though rate higher than any other English rival. The 26-year-old remains best-placed to stay put, whilst PSG and Barcelona figure highly.
