Arsenal plan ‘RUTHLESS’ midfielder overhaul despite Declan Rice success

Robin Bairner

Updated: 24 Nov 2023 15:06 GMT
3 min read

Declan Rice, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is ready to make “ruthless” transfer decisions in 2024, targeting the midfield as one area that the Gunners can improve.

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The Emirates side have developed into genuine title contenders under the Spaniard, and after finishing runners-up in the Premier League to Manchester City last season are in the mix at the top of the table again as they sit third, just a point behind the defending champions.

Arteta, though, believes the heart of his side can be improved – despite splashing out a club-record fee to sign Declan Rice from West Ham in the summer of 2023.

TeamTalk reports that the former Barcelona midfielder wants the North London side to recruit in the midfield, where Thomas Partey, Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny are all expected to leave in the summer. While the Jorginho and Elneny are both out of contract, the Ghana international could well be sold after months of doubt around his future.

© ProShots - Arsenal spent a club-record fee on Declan Rice

Arsenal want FOUR midfield signings

Arteta wants to strengthen the heart of his side by recruiting four new midfielders to reconstruct this area of his team, with Rice at the centre of his plans.

Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is reportedly “top of Arsenal’s shopping list”, with the Brazilian having long been a player associated with the club. A transfer is not expected to be easy to negotiate in his case due to a contract in Birmingham that stretches into 2026.

Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad is another player who is on Arsenal’s radar, and his €60 million release clause would appear to be within striking distance for the Emirates side.

On top of this, the Gunners are also thought to be looking at two younger players. Arthur Vermeeren of Royal Antwerp continues to be closely linked with Arteta’s side, while Corinthians’ prodigy Gabriel Moscardo is also a name that the Premier League outfit are interest in.

While Arsenal are likely to leave off Douglas Luiz and Zubimendi until the summer, the two teenagers could be targeted during the January transfer window.