Arsenal are preparing for a huge summer transfer window ahead as Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar look to strengthen the squad for another Premier League title push as well as a return to the Champions League. Added quality and depth will be necessary, while there's the tricky task of striking a balance in the squad.
The midfield appears to be an area for additions as football.london understands Declan Rice is a top priority for the Gunners, while the likes of Moises Caicedo and Mason Mount continue to be linked with a switch too. There will be interest in strengthening elsewhere though as recent reports claim that Joao Cancelo is a target this summer.
The full-back would add quality, having shown his technical proficiency in his time with City, while his versatility would be an added bonus as he can play on both flanks. At one point, the Portuguese international was one of the first names on the team sheet, such was his importance.
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However, that soon faded as Guardiola made the bold call to rotate him slightly more often and eventually sent him on loan in the January window. Cancelo moved to Bayern Munich, where he has been in and out of the team, but it remains to be seen what his future holds when he returns to City in the summer.
A move to the Emirates Stadium could help the Gunners close that gap further, similar to previous deals for Man City stars have, however comments from Guardiola may suggest otherwise. Discussing the balance on his team earlier this season, the manager said: "If the players who don't play are like 'me me me, I I I', I don't care and after I don't pay much attention."
Many believed this to be a dig aimed at Cancelo, who upon his arrival at Bayern claimed he was looking to receive more minutes. If that is the case, then it may be that his ability is high, but there will be question marks over whether he will fit the ethos of the team Arteta has setup.
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