Arsenal plot unexpected summer raid on Leicester and Arteta receives green light to sign £80m star
Arsenal are reportedly hoping to pull off ‘savvy signings’ this summer and Leicester City right-back Timothy Castagne is ‘one potential option’.
The Gunners have enjoyed a sensational season under Mikel Arteta as they have mounted a serious challenge for the Premier League title.
Arsenal could well end up finishing second and they need to strengthen this summer to maintain their current position around the top of the table. Edu – the club’s sporting director – recently admitted that their preparation for the summer is already underway.
“It’s already started because you know what’s happening in the market, everybody is doing stuff,” Edu said. “You have to plan with people as well just to be prepared so when you go again in the summer you are very prepared.
“I always make myself comfortable going into the transfer window when we’ve prepared how to face those challenges. In the Premier League, there are a lot of clubs and a lot of good managers so the competition is hard. So, as soon as you prepare well, you feel comfortable.”
The Mirror are reporting that ‘Arsenal are ready to once again splash out on big names while also adding to their squad depth by bringing in savvier signings’.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is highlighted as a ‘more ambitious target’ but they ‘could also look for a backup right-back’. Arsenal’s scouts have ‘made checks’ on Castagne as he is ‘one potential option’.
Castagne has started 33 times for Leicester in the Premier League this season and he is more than capable of also playing at left-back when called upon.
Ben White has shone at right-back for Arsenal this season but it was reported earlier this week that Arteta is planning to use him in a ‘more central role’ in 2023/24.
A main priority for Arsenal this summer is to strengthen in midfield. West Ham’s Declan Rice is thought to be their preferred target, but they are also pursuing Moises Caicedo.
90min are reporting that ‘Brighton will consider allowing Caicedo to leave the club this summer if their valuation of the player is met’.
The Seagulls will be ‘ready to have a conversation’ if they receive an £80m bid, even though he recently penned a new contract that runs until 2027. The report adds.
‘The interest in Caicedo has not dissipated and Arsenal are still very interested in taking him to north London. West Ham’s Declan Rice is a player the Gunners like a lot, but 90min understands that Caicedo remains an option as well.
‘Liverpool and Manchester United are also confirmed admirers of Caicedo and retain an interest, while it is believed Manchester City have him on a list of potential backups to top target Jude Bellingham, who is likely to join Real Madrid instead this summer.’
READ MORE: Transfer gossip… Arsenal and Man Utd learn Declan Rice price; Ramos the new Ronaldo?