Arsenal had a season to forget as they finished 8th in the Premier League table for a second year running. The Gunners didn’t find success, unlike the season before where they won the FA Cup.
Manager Mikel Arteta will have to be backed in the transfer market this summer to bring in some star names. The North London side will have to be shrewd in bringing players on loan as well as free agents.
Let’s have a look at 5 big-name free agents Arsenal should target in the current transfer window.
5 free-agents Arsenal should target this summer
#1 Hakan Calhanoglu
Turkish international Hakan Calhanoglu’s contract with AC Milan expires this summer and it seems like he will not be staying at the Italian club. Manchester United is reportedly interested in the 27-year-old, who has been with Milan since 2017.
A technically gifted player capable of opening opposition defences with his passes and through balls, Calhanoglu could be a fine addition to the Gunners squad. He could offer Arteta options in multiple positions as he is capable of playing as a No. 10 behind the striker, a central midfielder, or as a wide midfielder on the left.
Arsenal line up Hakan Calhanoglu as Emi Buendia and Martin Odegaard alternativehttps://t.co/hTzVxKqYYc pic.twitter.com/nZwkRJGomj
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) June 7, 2021
Calhanoglu could go straight into the Gunners lineup and offer them quality in the final third. He has loads of experience, offers versatility, and can score goals from midfield which has been missing in the Arsenal squad.
#2 Elseid Hysaj
It seems that Arsenal’s long-standing right-back Hector Bellerin could leave his summer. His exit will leave Arteta with just two options at right-back – Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers. The former barely played last season, while the latter – despite doing well in the last part of the season – isn’t good enough to help propel Arsenal to the top.
🚨From🇪🇸| Atletico Madrid are keen on Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin #AFC🔴 https://t.co/g0m5h8YJ6Y
— Mister_Arsé🇫🇷™️ (@Mister_Arse) June 3, 2021
Arsenal could perhaps target Elseid Hysaj, who is currently with Napoli but will most likely leave when his contract expires. The Albanian international is a dependable figure at right-back, who is solid in defence, using his speed and awareness to make key interceptions.
He is also not afraid to bring the ball out from the back and dribble past opponents. Hysaj is a full-back that would add experience to the Gunners backline and could be a good signing.
#3 Jerome Boateng
Arsenal will have to replace veteran defender David Luiz at the back, who is set to leave the club on the expiry of his contract. The North London side could replace Luiz with another experienced international in Jerome Boateng.
Boateng had a resurgence of form last season with Bayern Munich. The 32-year-old could be a useful addition to the Arsenal squad, especially if Arteta decides to play a three-man backline.
The German could easily slot in the middle of the three and use his superb long and short passing to good effect. The German may still have a year or two to offer at the top level in Europe, and this may be a gamble worth taking by Arteta and co.
#4 Javi Martinez
Another Bayern Munich veteran who has left the German club is Javi Martinez. The Spaniard won numerous trophies during his nine seasons with the German giants.
Javi Martinez
Capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or central defender, Martinez could add steel, and power to the Arsenal team.
Superb in the air and a player who loves to tackle, the Spaniard would bring some much-needed tenacity to the North London side. The former Bilbao player hasn’t played much for Bayern over the last year, so there may be a question mark over his fitness.
#5 Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma moving to Arsenal could perhaps not happen as PSG and Barcelona are reportedly interested in him. The Gunners may need to enter the transfer market to sign a goalkeeper as recent rumours have indicated that their No. 1 Bernd Leno, could leave the club.
The signing of Donnarumma would be a coup by the Gunners as the Italian is regarded as one of the most talented young goalkeepers in the world.
The 22-year-old is a good shot-stopper and is an expert penalty saver. If Arsenal have the chance to sign him, they should do everything in their power to make a deal happen.
