Transfer Targets Arsenal could sign for free next summer

Mikel Arteta continues to soar in Arsenal fan’s estimations. Since taking the reins at the club in late 2019, the former Gunners midfielder has already claimed the FA Cup and Community Shield, and a new sense of optimism is radiating out of the Emirates Stadium.

The resurgence of Arsenal is evident in the wealth of players travelling to North London. The Spaniard had an impressive summer transfer window, securing Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid, and convincing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to pledge his long- term future to the club. Highly rated Brazilian centre back Gabriel also arrived from Lille for £23 million, to add extra quality at the back.

With a strong start to the Premier League season, new online bookies are slashing their odds on Mikel Arteta bringing the league title back to Arsenal for the first time since 2004. However, fans of a more pessimistic persuasion still point to a few missing pieces of the jigsaw which will need to be found before Arsenal can launch a serious assault on the division.

With that in mind, Arteta may look to bring in some of these experienced players to his squad, which he could claim for free next summer:

Georginio Wijnaldum

If Mikel Arteta wants to add more Premier League experience to his squad, he should look no further than Gini Wijnaldum. The Dutchman has experienced the highs and lows of life at both ends of the Premier League, having been relegated with Newcastle United, before a move to Liverpool which has brought him a Premier League championship medal.

The Midfielder’s contract with the Red’s expires next summer, and Arteta may wish to capitalise, with a player of Wijnaldum’s quality rarely available for nothing. However, he may face stiff competition from Barcelona, who failed to secure Wijnaldum’s services over the summer.

David Alaba

Another player with huge amounts of experience is Austrian Alaba. The Bayern Munich man has nine Bundesliga and two Champions League titles under his belt, an incredible tally when you consider he is still only 28.

Alaba is most known for his work as a left back, but last season deputised at centre back alongside Jerome Boateng to much regard. However, Alaba is in the last year of his contract, and talks with club officials at Bayern Munich were unfruitful, and a multitude of clubs will therefore no doubt enter to race to secure his signature.

Arsenal were amongst those who considered a move for Alaba this summer. Whilst the defender remains with Bayern for now, Arteta could make him a key target next summer, although Chelsea are also reportedly interested.

Jesse Lingard 

“Lingardinho” has endured something of a fall from grace over the last couple of seasons. Having started for England in a World Cup semi-final, his form since has slowly seen him pushed out of the Manchester United starting eleven. Now that Bruno Fernandez and Donny van de Beek have arrived at Old Trafford, his opportunities look set to be even more limited.

Mikel Arteta could take look to bring Lingard’s creative prowess to North London, as this is still an area he could look to strengthen. Cross-London rivals West Ham and Tottenham are also reportedly keen on securing the Manchester man’s signature, so Arteta may have to act fast next summer.