Five Olympic stars who could attract Arsenal – from 'Japanese Messi' to 6ft 4 striker

Mikel Arteta could be keeping a watchful eye on the Paris 2024 Olympics as Arsenal continue to recruit ahead of another Premier League title charge this season. With football at the Games now in the semi-final stages, the Spanish manager has had plenty of time to scout some serious potential on show.

The Gunners have already made their first two summer signings. David Raya joined permanently from Brentford for a fee of £27million, while Riccardo Calafiori arrived from Bologna for £42m this week.

However, if Arsenal are to finally dismount Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City juggernaut, additional reinforcements will be required – particularly a new striker. Several young talents have already left their marks at the Olympic Games – and we now examine some potential signings that Arsenal could make.

Samu Omorodion

Arteta’s search for a dedicated number nine to lead his Arsenal attack is well known. Gabriel Jesus, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, hasn’t managed to make the position his own, while Kai Havertz isn’t a natural centre-forward.

Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak have all been linked with a move to the Emirates, but a less expensive option in the form of a certain Chelsea target could be worth considering. Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, currently representing Spain at the Games, was unsuccessfully targeted by Enzo Maresca’s Blues in June.

The Spanish forward reportedly wanted to shine in Paris and return to Atletico ready to play for Diego Simeone, who recently lost his first-choice striker Alvaro Morata to AC Milan. While other potential signings could cost Arsenal more than £80m, Omorodion’s release clause is a slightly more affordable £67.5 – and could potentially be negotiated down further.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is another forward who Arsenal could target before the summer transfer window closes. Under Oliver Glasner last season, Mateta and Palace won six of their last seven games, finishing in the top half of the Premier League.

During that run, the Frenchman set a club record by scoring in seven consecutive home games, catching the eye of some of the league’s biggest clubs. His current team will undoubtedly want to keep hold of their star player – who scored the quarter-final winner against Argentina on Friday – for the upcoming season.

Given the problems Arteta has had up front, the idea of the 27-year-old moving to the Emirates may not be so far-fetched. The Eagles star outscored any Arsenal player in the league last season with 16 goals.

While Palace would likely demand a hefty fee for the forward, he could be a more affordable option than Gyokeres, Isak and even Omorodion.

Joan Garcia

Joan Garcia, 23, played a key role in helping Espanyol secure promotion from the second tier of Spanish football through the play-offs last season and has gained attention from clubs overseas. The Gunners have already brought in Spanish goalkeeper Raya but may consider signing his compatriot as a backup.

Arsenal’s interest is reportedly due to the anticipated departure of England international Aaron Ramsdale. Raya staked a strong claim to the position last year after joining on an initial loan, and Ramsdale appears unhappy with a bench-warming role.

If Ramsdale does depart, a new backup goalkeeper will be required. Tommy Setford, an England under-17 star, has already been signed this window, but Garcia could be a senior option Arteta looks to for reinforcement.

Garcia’s participation at the Games has hampered a deal, as he has stated he wishes to focus on winning a medal with the current semi-finalists in Paris. But when the tournament is done, Arteta’s attention could turn to the Spaniard once more.

Shunsuke Mito

Shunsuke Mito made a name for himself at the Olympic Games with a standout double in his team’s 5-0 thrashing of Paraguay – before crashing out to Spain in the quarters. His unique style has even been compared to Lionel Messi in the past.

The Japanese winger earned such plaudits during his side’s 5-2 win against Argentina in an U22 fixture last October, before signing with Sparta Rotterdam two months later. He left behind a league where he had just been awarded the Breakout Campaign Best Young Player prize.

Brighton, known for their successful scouting in the region thanks to their signing of Kaoru Mitoma, reportedly showed interest before the winger made his move to Europe. Mito’s price tag could increase from his current £1m Transfermarkt valuation following the Games, but he would still be a bargain buy for the Gunners if they decide to take a punt.

Mitoma was bought by Brighton for just £2.7m in 2021 and has been valued at up to £35m over the past year. Mito, meanwhile, could potentially join fellow countryman Takehiro Tomiyasu at the Emirates and become Arteta’s winger of the future.

Manu Kone

Manu Kone is another player who has reportedly popped up on Arsenal’s radar. The French midfielder was a genuine target for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in 2023, and though a move to the Emirates hasn’t gathered more momentum just yet, Kone could hand Arteta a younger option beside Declan Rice.

Thomas Partey, 31, and Jorginho, 32, are Arteta’s midfield options when it comes to someone partnering the deep-lying Rice. But Kone is only 23, and if he carries on impressing in Paris, he could tempt Arsenal to make an approach.

A new midfielder is a position that the Gunners have a confirmed interest in, too. Mikel Merino, one of Spain’s Euro 2024 heroes, has been heavily linked with a switch and has a £21m release clause in his Real Sociedad contract which runs out next year.

At 28, Merino would provide the Gunners with a slightly cheaper option, but for a higher price at £30m, Kone could come in and give Arteta a midfielder for years to come. Starting as a six in France’s 3-0 victory over the USA, Kone can play further forward and would be a great addition should he make a name for himself this tournament.