Arsenal tracking Timothy Castagne as Edu accelerates transfer plans

Arsenal are willing to back Mikel Arteta with big-name signings this summer but the club will also seek to improve their options in reserve as they gear up for the return of Champions League football. The Gunners have already sealed qualification for Europe’s elite club competition next season and behind the scenes, planning is already well underway ahead of the summer window when significant movement is once again expected in the market.

Arteta has already made it clear he intends to continue driving the club forward and has hinted that Arsenal will be firmly active in terms of incomings once the transfer window reopens.

But his Arsenal project is now entering the next phase after achieving the club’s main goal of securing a top-four finish – despite potential Premier League title disappointment.

That’s why improving the club’s squad depth is also integral alongside making several high-profile signings as Arsenal prepare to flex their financial muscle in the market.

Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are two players of concrete interest with the West Ham captain considered to be a priority target for Arteta.

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Caicedo was also the subject of two January bids from the Gunners – worth up to £70million – that were turned away by Brighton but the Ecuador international could now finally move onto pastures new this summer despite inking a new contract.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is also of interest but Tottenham are also believed to be admirers of the England international centre-back.

Interestingly, The Mirror are now reporting that Leicester’s Timothy Castagne is one name that has emerged as a potential target for the Gunners.

The Belgian has been among the Foxes’ most consistent players since moving to The King Power Stadium from Atalanta but with Leicester at risk of relegation – he could be available on the cheap this summer.

Arsenal are in need of some additional cover at right-back after losing Takehiro Tomiyasu to a knee injury against Sporting.

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The Japanese international has provided backup for Ben White in the Europa League this season but now Arsenal are light on the ground in that department.

Cedric Soares has only featured six times in the Premier League since joining Fulham on loan on transfer deadline day.

The Portuguese international’s future at Arsenal now looks bleak as the agreement does not include an option or obligation to buy.

In terms of outgoings, there has been lots of speculation regarding the future of Granit Xhaka in the past few days amid reported interest from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Swiss international is now approaching the final 12 months of his deal in north London and although he has been a mainstay in Arteta’s team this season, this summer could finally prove to be the right time to depart – particularly if midfield recruits are inbound.

Folarin Balogun also wants assurances of regular game time next season after scoring 18 times in 33 Ligue 1 outings on loan in France with Stade Reims.

Kieran Tierney is also expected to leave Arsenal this summer after starting just five Premier League matches all season.

Both Aston Villa and Newcastle are thought to be interested and other clubs could yet enter the running.

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