30 May 2023 , 07:13
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Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has been encouraged by the team’s progress under Mikel Arteta and is ready to provide financial backing in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners finished second in the Premier League this season, five points behind champions Manchester City. While there was disappointment at missing out on the title, Arsenal know their return to the Champions League will be a major help in attracting top tier players this summer.
West Ham captain Declan Rice is their number one transfer target and while he is keen on a move to north London, the Hammers’ £100million valuation could be problematic. Mirror Football understands that Bayern Munich are ready to go head-to-head with Arsenal for Rice – but the Gunners have the funds to compete.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have a transfer budget of around £180m for the summer. That is the baseline figure, which could be boosted further by player sales – and the club are open to offloading some first-team stars.
Mirror Football understands that Emile Smith Rowe, Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding are possible departures while there is Italian interest in Thomas Partey. Granit Xhaka is also expected to leave the club, with a move to Bayer Leverkusen on the cards.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
While they are ready to bolster their funds with sales, Arsenal are not entertaining interest in captain Martin Odegaard. Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly made an enquiry for the Norwegian playmaker, only to receive a firm rebuttal from Arsenal.
Arsenal are not entertaining offers for captain Martin Odegaard (Getty Images) HAVE YOUR SAY! What would represent a perfect summer transfer window for Arsenal? Comment below.
Odegaard enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Arteta’s side, contributing 15 goals and eight assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. He was absolutely key to Arsenal’s successful campaign and, with a contract until June 2025, won’t be going anywhere this summer.
With Xhaka set to move on, central midfield is a clear area of focus for Arteta and sporting director Edu this summer. But Edu has emphasised that they are on the lookout for any players who they believe will fit into their philosophy.
Declan Rice is Arsenal's top target this summer (James Griffiths/West Ham United/REX/Shutterstock)“We need to identify how we can improve, if we have to improve specific, individual positions, individuals, final turn, midfielders, our defence. We already know what it is because our style of play with Mikel Arteta is very clear,” he said.
"When you see Arsenal play now, you know it’s our style. Now we have to understand how to enhance our athletes so the team can improve and reach a new level in terms of performance. I think there is a level above.
“Mikel and I talked, and we believe we can raise our performance to a new level. Now we have to do good work in the transfer window, we have to understand what we need, get the right athletes, the right traits, and the right athlete mentality so we can raise our squad’s level again.”