Big summer awaits as Gunners look to narrow the gap
With Arsenal well off the pace once again when it comes to the Premier League title race, it looks like it could be a busy summer window for the Gunners. Currently battling for points outside of the top six, manager Mikel Arteta will be eager to add fresh faces to the squad, as they look to narrow the gap on league leaders Manchester City.
Gunners Looking at Forward Options
Despite what would appear to be a wealth of attacking talent at the Emirates, reports suggest Arsenal are still looking at bringing a new striker to the club this summer. Those who use sites like Sporticos for stats, live scores and post-match articles to follow today’s football, will be aware it has been an inconsistent season so far for the north London outfit. That inconsistency has not been helped by a lack of goals up front.
Until a 4-2 win over Leeds United at the Emirates, Arsenal had only scored 27 goals in 23 games, which is well below their normal tally for such an attacking side. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found his shooting boots with a hat-trick against the Whites, and Arteta will be hoping the Gabon international will be able to continue that form for the rest of the season.
Nevertheless, Arsenal are still linked with forwards, with Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard being connected with a move south of the border. The 23-year-old would represent excellent value, considering he would only cost Arsenal in the region of £15m. The Gunners have also been linked with a rising talent in Portugal, with Sporting Lisbon's 18-year-old striker Tiago Tomas mentioned as a possible target for Arteta.
Canaries’ Star a Long-Term Target
One man who has been linked with a move to Arsenal for a number of months is Norwich City midfielder Emiliano Buendia. The Argentinian is one of the standout players in the Championship, and is currently trying to help the Canaries make a swift return to the Premier League.
Even if Norwich do bounce back into the top flight at the first time of asking, the Carrow Road outfit will find it tough to keep Buendia at the club. Arsenal are thought to be the frontrunners in the hunt for his services, while Leeds have also been credited with a long-term interest. If the Gunners do finally get their man, Buendia is a special player who is more than capable of thriving in a team like Arteta’s.
Will Gunners Snap up Odegaard?
Norwegian star Martin Odegaard is currently on loan at the Emirates, and a decision on his long-term future will be made in the summer. A host of clubs were interested in the playmaker’s services, but it was Arsenal who managed to land him on loan from Real Madrid for the rest of the season. Odegaard looks to be settling in well in the Premier League, and Arsenal might well be tempted to sign the Sancadinavian permanently at the end of the season.
While Arsenal will also look to bolster their defensive options at the Emirates, it looks set to be a busy summer for the Gunners, as they work towards mounting a serious Premier League title challenge in the near future.