Three Prem stars lined up by Arsenal in bid to replace summer departure

Arsenal are reportedly looking at three players as they aim to replace a summer departure.

The Gunners were active in the most recent transfer window in a bid to push Mikel Arteta’s side up the table. They spent around £150million as the likes of Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Odegaard were captured.

 

Arsenal also brought in Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht and Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna.

Club chiefs looked to the future with the signing of talented left-back Nuno Tavares.

Despite their significant outlay, Arsenal are already planning for 2022. Spanish outlet Fichajes (via Goal) report that the north London side want to land a new right-back.

They allowed Hector Bellerin to join Real Betis on loan in August. He has already suggested that the move could be made permanent.

 

Japan international Tomiyasu has operated at right-back recently. However, he is generally viewed as a centre-half and is more defensive in his style.

Arteta wants to utilise the 22-year-old in the heart of defence in future campaigns. Such a move would make space for a new man on the right flank, and three names are under consideration.

Fichajes write that Leicester City’s James Justin is being monitored. The Luton-born full-back was in great form last season before his ACL rupture in February.

His stock remains high and Arsenal could launch a bid when he returns to full fitness. Leicester are not open to a sale which means the Gunners would have to spend big.

 

A cheaper alternative is Tariq Lamptey of Brighton. The Englishman has impressed on the south coast since leaving Chelsea in January 2020.

His astonishing pace makes him a huge threat going forward. His contract at the Amex runs until 2025 which means Brighton are not desperate to sell.

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Arsenal will therefore be looking to use their pre-existing relationship with Brighton from the White capture to get a deal over the line.

 

The final name on the list is Norwich City’s Max Aarons. He was widely expected to move in the summer after club chiefs admitted he would be available for over £30m.

A deal never materialised and the England U21 star could move to Emirates Stadium next year.

Arteta plays down Arsenal loan move

The Spaniard has rejected claims that Gabriel Martinelli could leave Arsenal on loan.

The youngster has had to play a peripheral role so far this term. He has been used sparingly in the Premier League and is yet to register a goal or assist.

His troubles have led to rumours of a temporary exit. But Arteta wants to keep Martinelli around to fight for his place.

“No I’m very happy with him, we’re not thinking of anything like that,” Arteta said.

The manager added that Martinelli got injured last week and is a doubt for Arsenal’s next game.

They face Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace on Monday at 20:00.