Arsenal ‘draw up six-man shortlist with Arteta set to get huge transfer war chest… but five stars could leave’
ARSENAL have prepared a six-man transfer shortlist ahead of the summer window, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta is set to be backed once again as the Gunners look to bounce back from their disappointing Champions League exit this week.
Arsenal have spent big in the last two summer windows, bringing in the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for a combined £200million last year.
This summer, signing a striker is the priority with Gabriel Jesus being plagued by injuries since he arrived in North London.
SunSport understands the Arsenal hierarchy recognise Arteta’s squad currently lacks an attacking focal point and clinical edge in the final third.
And according to The Mirror the club has drawn up a shortlist of six players to help address that issue, including Newcastle hitman Alexander Isak.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of the Swede but Toon are unlikely to sell and will demand a huge fee given they splashed out £60million to sign him.
Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has also caught the eye after scoring 36 goals and providing 16 assists this season.
While Arsenal are believed to be tracking RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko.
Arteta also wants to sign players to provide competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who have been overused this season.
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Wolves winger Pedro Neto is a long-term target while Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams is another option.
Arsenal appear to have cooled their interest in Ivan Toney but another name on their wishlist is Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who could be an effective partner for Declan Rice.
To help fund incoming Arsenal could let a number of stars leave, including Eddie Nketiah who is priced at £30m and a target for Crystal Palace.
Reiss Nelson is also available while the club could cash in on Leandro Trossard if a wide player is signed.
Another player whose future is uncertain is Aaron Ramsdale, while there is interest in Emile Smith Rowe.
Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against Arsenal
FANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
“Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
Read more on Tuchel’s genius here.