With the January transfer window only shutting on Tuesday, it may seem a bit too soon to be looking ahead to the summer. However, a combination of Arsenal's recent business and the realistic prospect of Champions League qualification means it could be one of the club's most exciting - and expensive - yet.
As it was widely reported, bids were submitted for Mykhailo Mudryk and Moises Caicedo last month. Had the Gunners been successful in the pursuit of both players, their arrivals would have likely cost around £170million combined. Instead, a total of £60million was splashed on Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho, with a number of positions being strengthened as a result.
The disappointment of missing out on Mudryk and Caicedo is understandable, but Arsenal eventually got what they needed and they got it smartly. Although the new recruits will undoubtedly provide much-needed depth, experience and quality during what is a crucial stage of the season, there will also be an acceptance that the bar must be raised even further in the coming months, especially if Champions League football is secured.
READ MORE: Arsenal are 12 transfers away from completing their perfect squad amid Caicedo and Rice interest
So, with all of that in mind, football.london takes a look at four transfers Stan Kroenke must sanction in order to continue the £270million rebuild that has taken place over the past two summer windows.
Declan Rice
The England international is one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League and would undeniably add a mixture of top quality and valuable leadership to Arteta's squad.
football.london understands Arsenal are interested in signing rice Rice this summer, with Jorginho's arrival not expected to influence a move for the 24-year-old. The West Ham star has made it clear that his ambition is to play for a club in the Champions League and is unlikely to extend his contract at the London Stadium, which expires next year.
Various reports claim that the Gunners are currently the favourites to win the race for Rice, although Chelsea and even Real Madrid have also been credited with holding an interest.
Youri Tielemans
Arsenal's interest in Tielemans has been well documented over the last few months and although football.london understands it has cooled for now, a deal for the Belgian could be revisited if he becomes a free agent in June.
It's believed talks were held with Tielemans and his representatives last summer, but Arsenal did not believe he was worth what Leicester were demanding with a year remaining on his deal.
While someone like Rice would offer defensive stability in midfield, Tielemans would bring a more forward-thinking style of play just ahead of him, with the pair providing sufficient competition for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. Two midfielders may not be viewed as realistic right now, but it will be a necessity should Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga leave permanently.
Ivan Fresneda
After falling out of favour and subsequently completing a loan move to Fulham, it would be a surprise to see Cedric have any significant role at Arsenal when he returns, and so replacing him with a young talent such as Fresneda would be a step in the right direction.
Arsenal did look into acquiring the Spaniard's services in January but other targets took priority. However, a summer move looks increasingly likely after the 18-year-old caught the attention of several European clubs with a number of impressive performances in La Liga.
Fresneda is now viewed as one of the most promising full-backs in the game, often showcasing impressive defensive ability and composure on the ball. It may not prove to be an easy deal to do, but it would be a huge coup for Arsenal should they secure his services.
It's important to add that this move doesn't have to impact Takehiro Tomiyasu's game time. There has been speculation surrounding Rob Holding's future, but the Japanese international can be an immediate replacement, allowing Fresneda to compete with Ben White at right-back.
Moussa Diaby
With a reported price tag of £68million, some might say Diaby is too expensive to be a backup to Bukayo Saka. Although it is a hefty fee, Arsenal must match the ambition shown by Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea if they are to compete with the big guns not only in England, but in Europe too.
Similarly to Raphinha and Pedro Neto, Diaby is a player who has been on the Gunners' radar for a while, according to reports. Since the 2020/21 season, the Frenchman has made 49 goal contributions, meaning he ranks third compared to any other under-23 player in Europe’s top five leagues. Only Erling Haaland and Dusan Vlahovic have contributed more.
Newcastle are also said to be admirers of the 23-year-old, though it remains to be seen if their signing of Anthony Gordon dwindles any interest.
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