With the US pre-season tour now over, the focus is on readying Mikel Arteta's playing squad for the season ahead as Arsenal aim to better their runners-up finish in the league and make an impactful return to the Champions League for the first time in six years.
Arsenal could still make an ambitious move to bring Barcelona forward Raphinha to the Emirates Stadium after a potential secret tactic for Edu to use to land the Brazilian emerged. Prior to his Leeds departure, both Arsenal and Chelsea were interested in signing the winger with the Gunners also previously linked in the January transfer window.
Following the saga which resulted in Mykhailo Mudryk signing for Chelsea, Arsenal sought out alternatives with Raphinha and Barcelona team-mate Ferran Torres the two options looked into.
Eventually, Arsenal signed Leandro Trossard, but Arteta has recently deployed the Belgium international in a deeper midfield role following the arrival of Kai Havertz. With Trossard now potentially competing for midfield spots, there is room again for a forward capable of playing on both sides to offer competition to Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and potentially Emile Smith Rowe.
However, Arsenal must repeat what they achieved with Declan Rice, and once again beat Manchester City to the deal as last season's treble winners are also interested in a deal for Raphinha following the departure of Riyad Mahrez.
Kudus' ability to operate in a midfield three as well as in attacking wide positions makes him the perfect final addition to the squad to help Arsenal cope with the rigours of the Premier League and Champions League campaigns, with cover for Saka perhaps the final piece of the jigsaw needed.The squad will need trimming down with departures for the likes of Cedric Soares and Nicolas Pepe and potentially even a marquee sale for Folarin Balogun, with Inter among those interested, as the intense competition for places hots up as Arteta's squad levels up for the challenges ahead.
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