Arsenal will be challengers again if Arteta can land these 3 transfer targets

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Arsenal ended a turbulent 2019/20 campaign with silverware after winning the FA Cup with victory over Chelsea but it’s clear we are still a long way from challenging for the title. We finished eighth in the Premier League table – a whopping 43 points off winners Liverpool – so there is plenty of work to be done this summer if Mikel Arteta is to get us back where we belong.

Outsiders

Understandably, we aren’t even being considered as title challengers next season as the best betting sites UK have us priced as huge 50/1 outsiders. That’s the same odds as Tottenham who haven’t won a title in nearly 60 years! Surprisingly, Liverpool are only priced as the 7/4 second favourites with the bookies despite running away with the title last season. According to the betting odds, Manchester City are expected to reclaim the crown as they’re backed as the even money favourites to win the title next year.

However, Arsenal aren’t even in the conversation right now and it’s obvious Arteta needs to overhaul his squad this summer so it’s going to be a pivotal few weeks in the transfer market as we look to build a side capable of competing with the big boys.

Willian has arrived on a free transfer from Chelsea, William Saliba will begin his Arsenal career after finishing his loan at Saint-Etienne while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to sign a new contract so there are plenty of positives already. But Arteta needs to further strengthen and I think we’d be pushing for the top four again if Arsenal can land three of their key transfer targets:

Gabriel

Arsenal need to improve in defence and Gabriel has been identified as Arteta’s prime centre-back target. Reports suggest Arsenal are closing-in on a £22m deal for the Lille defender and he’d be an excellent addition to the squad. The 22-year-old was named in the L’Equipe team of the season after an impressive campaign and is regarded as one of the best young centre-backs in Europe.

Thomas Partey

Arteta badly needs a dominant midfielder and Partey has been widely touted as his key signing in that department following another excellent season with Atletico Madrid. The 27-year-old would add a lot of quality to the Arsenal midfield but he won’t come cheap as Atletico are demanding the full value of his £45m release clause. To help fund the transfer, Arsenal are ready to sell Matteo Guendouzi after he fell out with Arteta last season.

Dani Ceballos

Arsenal are working to sign Ceballos from Real Madrid following a successful loan spell last season. The Spaniard ended the campaign on fire and it’s been enough to convince Arteta to re-sign the midfielder this summer. It’s reported that Arsenal would prefer another loan but Madrid would favour a permanent sale if they decide to let him go. Arsenal would need to offload Lucas Torreira to fund any transfer fee.

If Arsenal could secure deals to sign Gabriel, Partey and Ceballos this summer then I think we’d be in great shape heading into next season and those 50/1 title odds would suddenly look very attractive. I expect the odds to come down as the new campaign approaches but we could be below 20/1 if Arteta lands his key transfer targets this summer.

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