Mikel Arteta will be hoping that successive Premier League defeats won't affect his transfer plans - with a place in the top four and Champions League qualification hopes taking a hit last week. The Gunners were beaten soundly by Crystal Palace on Monday before a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brighton followed at the Emirates on Saturday.
Any further losses will take on a larger significance should Tottenham qualify for the top four ahead of the Gunners. Champions League football will be a huge draw for any potential signings, and with a new striker top of the shopping list, Mikel Arteta and Edu will be hoping that they can secure their place in order to execute their summer transfer plans.
Here we take a look at the latest rumours surrounding Arsenal's summer transfer plans:
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Klopp predicts bright future for Arsenal target Nunez
With the Gunners in the market for a new striker, Darwin Nunez will be a name that continues to come into the conversation. In the past few days the North London club have been liked with the Uruguayan, who will line up at Anfield on Wednesday night as Benfica take on Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League Quarter Final.
Such is the growing interest in the striker, Jurgen Klopp was asked about the 22-year-old who has scored 29 goals for the Portuguese side this campaign. Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game on Wednesday, he predicted a bright future for the rangy forward, even praising his appearance.
Nunez scored Benfica's only goal of the first leg in Lisbon with Klopp watching on, when asked about him, the Reds manager said: “An extremely good looking boy eh?! He is a really good boy - he played in front of me battling against Konate. He was calm for the finish. He is good, really good. If he stays healthy, he has a big career ahead of him.”.
Barcelona discuss three players in Gabriel swap deal
According to SPORT, Barcelona manager Xavi is interested in making a move for Arsenal defender Gabriel as a long-term centre-back option in his Camp Nou project. The left-footed defender is just 23 and would offer a long-term option alongside Ronald Araujo or reported new signing Andreas Christensen for the Catalan club.
Such is the interest that the Barca hierarchy are reportedly prepared to offer three players in return for the Brazilian's services. Memphis Depay, Neto or Riqui Puig could be offered as part of a potential deal and with the Gunners currently having William Saliba set to return from another promising loan, they could see potential in the move.
Gabriel has made 27 Premier League appearances so far this campaign, scoring three goals, although he has come under some scrutiny for his discipline. He was sent off in Arsenal's tight 2-1 defeat to City on New Year's Day drawing criticism, but has been generally impressive alongside Ben White to justify interest from the Spanish giants.
