Inside Arsenal transfer plans as Edu eyes 'new Jorginho and Leandro Trossard'

Arsenal sporting director Edu will reportedly target players in a similar mould to Jorginho and Leandro Trossard when it comes to summer signings. The Gunners are hoping to strengthen their squad for a renewed Premier League title challenge, having missed out to Manchester City in each of the last two seasons.

They are yet to confirm any summer deals but are said to be chasing a move for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who shone for Italy at Euro 2024. The 22-year-old boasts plenty of potential as well as current ability and will be hoping to start at least some games if the move goes ahead.

Arsenal have focused on landing key players in recent transfer windows, shelling out hefty fees to sign the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard. However, it seems Edu and Mikel Arteta are tweaking their approach to the club’s recruitment drive in advance of the new campaign.

They are on the lookout for players who can improve Arsenal’s strength in depth rather than being ready-made starters, according to CBS. It is said that targets with similar profiles to Jorginho and Trossard will be the priority, with the Gunners in need of better options from the bench.

Jorginho arrived from Chelsea in the middle of the 2022/23 season and quickly emerged as a dependable asset in the middle of the park. Trossard, meanwhile, was signed from Brighton following Arsenal’s failed pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk and has since established himself as a key man.

Both players stepped up in crucial games last season despite not being the most fashionable names on the Arsenal team sheet. Their success has reportedly inspired Edu to target more players who can offer plenty without being nailed-on starters or having a significant resale value.

Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is listed as an example of a player who fits that profile, with the Gunners said to be keen on snapping him up. However, his involvement for Spain at Euro 2024 means Arsenal’s interest is yet to materialise into definitive contact.

The former Newcastle midfielder is entering into the final year of his contract, just as Jorginho and Trossard were at Chelsea and Brighton respectively. He would likely be available for a transfer fee that would not break the bank or preclude further investment in central midfield.

It is said that Arsenal would be able to push for a marquee signing further down the line if they can improve their strength in depth with a few bargain deals. Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who scored for Spain against England in the Euro 2024 final, is thought to be a potential target.

Arsenal have also been clearing their squad of fringe players, with the likes of Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga leaving on loan deals. Emile Smith Rowe could also be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium with interest coming from Fulham and Crystal Palace.