Arsenal has been targeting João Cancelo and Declan Rice this summer, among others, it reports The Telegraph Wednesday afternoon. The team of manager Mikel Arteta wants to invest heavily in order to compete for the national title again next season. The Manchester City defender, who is loaned to Bayern Munich, and West Ham United midfielder are therefore transfer targets this summer.
The Gunners expect according to The Telegraph only that City are not eager to sell Cancelo, as the transfers of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko ensured that they the Citizens could make it very difficult in the title race. Cancelo, who can play on both the left and right flank, was loaned to Bayern in the second half of the season, but has not been able to break any pots there. The 28-year-old defender only made nineteen appearances for the Germans and the record master the purchase option will not exercise.
Arsenal see Iván Fresneda from Real Valladolid as a cheaper alternative. The Londoners want to strengthen themselves with a back, as Takehiro Tomiyasu is seriously injured and Kieran Tierney is nominated to leave. The current number two in the Premier League also wants to get rid of Rob Holding, Folarin Balogun and Nuno Tavares, while Granit Xhaka is on his way to Bayer Leverkusen. Arsenal also expect interest in Emile Smith Rowe, Charlie Patino and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
The Gunners want to create budget for Rice’s transfer with these outgoing transfers. Arsenal is preparing a bid of more than 106 million euros for the England international. The West Ham captain is also said to be in the spotlight from Manchester United and Chelsea, although Arsenal are confident they can reach an agreement with the fellow townsman. The Hammers want to have a large part of the transfer fee transferred in one go, which, according to English media, could possibly cause problems.