Edu will be looking to strengthen Mikel Arteta's squad in the coming transfer window.
Arsenal fans are worried that without Champions League football the Gunners won't be able to secure big names in the market. Whilst it would undoubtedly be easier to attract the top talent with that level of European appeal, failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League won't prevent the club from investing heavily in the first-team squad this summer, with Arteta desperate to recruit a handful of quality additions to his young team as he eyes his dream squad.
football.london understands that there will be a summer rebuild job at Arsenal with several players being targeted ahead of the transfer window. The important thing for Edu is to look at players who are available and interested in joining the project in north London. One club they could look at is Manchester City, where some players have become a little agitated with their lack of playing time under Arteta's tutor, Pep Guardiola.
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With that in mind, let's take a brief look at which City players might be available to Arsenal in the market.
Gabriel Jesus
Arteta's targets include a marquee signing in Jesus, with the Gunners confident of landing his signature. Arsenal first made enquiries for Jesus in November with Edu maintaining a close relationship with the player's agent and the City forward himself. Now that Erling Haaland has agreed to join the club, the Brazilian is likely to play second-fiddle to the Norwegian next term if he does decide to stay, but at Arsenal, he'd be the main man.
Raheem Sterling
Sterling has been linked with a move to Arsenal for some time. Many saw Arteta as one of the main reasons why he managed to develop into one of the world's best players and a reunion has been touted since the Spaniard arrived at the Emirates. According to The Athletic, Raheem Sterling has decided to hold off on negotiations over a new contract at Manchester City until after England's international fixtures in June. However, he's also reportedly on north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur's radar.
Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan's agents are currently in talks with the club about a new deal but he's expected to move on. According to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, he could sign for Arsenal, Barcelona or move back to the Bundesliga.
Romano said on Twitter: "Talks ongoing between Gundogan agents and Manchester City board. No discussion about new deal - just about his future with serious chances to leave the club. His trip to Madrid was not linked to his future. Barca, German clubs and Arsenal [depends on UCL] interested."
Verdict
All three of the stars mentioned would add quality and experience to a youthful Gunners outfit. The likeliness of signing all three is of course extremely slim, but at least one or even two would be a huge boost for Arteta moving forward. They're in need of more attacking players - particularly a number nine like Jesus - as well as an extra central midfield maestro, so they're all worthwhile targets.
