Arsenal's top 3 summer targets

Arsenal are making their big return to the Champions League this season, after a long absence and are looking to build a squad that can compete at the highest level of European football. 

The Gunners are also rebuilding after losing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City, after sitting on top of the table for most of the season, and are focusing their signings on their midfield, facing the likely departure of mainstay Granit Xhaka, and the possible exit of his engine-room partner Thomas Partey. 

Having already secured Kai Havertz from Chelsea, take a look at the next targets for Arsenal.

Arsenal's summer wishlist

Declan Rice

Rice is the closest target for the Gunners. Valued for his experience at just 24 years old as well as his ability to break through defending lines on the ball, Mikel Arteta's side are willing to break the bank for the English international.

West Ham have reportedly agreed to a £105 million deal for their skipper, which would make him the most expensive Premier League deal for an English player ever. He is also no stranger to what it takes to play in the English top flight, having spent his whole professional career with the Hammers.

He has speed and power in midfield, as well as confidence distributing passes over short and long distances, which makes him an excellent replacement for box-to-box midfielder Xhaka, and means Arsenal would immediately see a boost in their midfield quality, despite Rice's young age. 

Jurrien Timber

Timber is a slightly less high profile signing, but there's a lot he could bring to Arsenal. The 22-year-old fits with Arteta's vision for a young, hungry team. Like Rice, his ability on the ball is impressive and he's confident bringing the ball out into play from the back.

The youngster has played in a back four for Ajax, as centre-back, but has been playing at the international level in a back three. This checks Arteta's box for versatility of squad members, as Arsenal struggled towards the end of last season with injuries.

Timber has made 121 appearances for the Dutch side, even racking up six goals. His move would cost the Gunners somewhere between £40-50 million.

Aurelien Tchouameni

Recently, Arsenal have been linked to Real Madrid's Tchouameni. The 23-year-old would command a fee similar to Declan Rice, so he might not be the Gunners' first choice for a second midfielder if Thomas Partey does decide to leave the club.

If talks with Southampton's Romeo Lavia fall through, Arsenal may turn to Madrid, as although the Spanish giants might want to keep their talent, the arrival of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund means that midfielders might struggle for minutes next season.

The Frenchman is another player who is incredibly versatile, and could contribute from a more defensive position, or as a box-to-box player. Like Rice, he also has experience representing his country, and could bring a lot as Arsenal look to the UCL.