Arsenal are looking to take advantage of their form and position in the Premier League table in order to boost their chances in the transfer market. The project at the Emirates Stadium has never been more attractive than now with Mikel Arteta showing his tactical and team-building acumen as well as an ability to trust and improve young players.
This has put Arsenal in the queue to sign some of the world's best young talent where they wouldn't have expected to have a chance 12-months ago. Players such as Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are now on their radar for the summer whilst Leandro Trossard has already moved to north London this month.
Having missed out on long-term target Mykhailo Mudryk there is no time being wasted as Edu turns his attention to the defence. Jakub Kiwior attended the 3-2 win over Manchester United and will have witnessed the brilliant atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium this season.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Eddie Nketiah's form, title hopes and Jakub Kiwior transfer
The Polish centre-back is versatile and can also play on the left, offering some cover for Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko, but it's the right side that is even more exciting. Ben White was taken off at half-time against Erik ten Hag's men and was replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu.
18-year-old Ivan Fresneda has been sounded out as the heir to that position though and Arsenal have moved quickly to get ahead of most of the competition for the Spaniard. Currently playing at Real Valladolid, after being at Real Madrid's academy, the fullback is a great fit for Arteta as he is able to come inside into midfield seamlessly.
He has attracted attention from Newcastle as well as other top European clubs but it is Arsenal that are at the front of the queue alongside Borussia Dortmund in the race for his signature. According to the Athletic things are progressing well and a decision on his next move is expected soon.
football.london reported earlier this week that talks were advanced for the player and the Gunners have now moved to agree a fee with Valladolid, around €15million (£13.1m) for his services with the understanding that he will be loaned back to his current side for the rest of the season.
Dortmund themselves have become one of the best developers of young players but Arsenal's form has given them a serious chance of snatching up one of Europe's rising stars and it gives Fresneda a big choice to make. If Arsenal could get one over Dortmund this month and then make a push for Bellingham in the summer they will be a serious force to contend with.
READ NEXT:
What Bukayo Saka did to Luke Shaw after England comments as Arsenal transfers give title boost
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Eddie Nketiah's form, title hopes and Jakub Kiwior transfer
Why Oleksandr Zinchenko was not offside for Arsenal winner despite Man Utd complaints over VAR
Find the footballs on the football.london website to win cash prize, vouchers and TV worth £3,000
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
