Arsenal hold contract talks with Premier League star for £70m

The longer the Premier League season drags on, the more questions are being asked about Arsenal’s reinforcements from last summer.

On paper, Andrea Berta appeared to have done a great job as the club’s first point of contact in charge of transfer business. However, Eberechi Eze endured a barren period without goals, with Noni Madueke unable to supply the ball regularly and Victor Gokeres seemingly losing the ball every time he touched it.

Martin Zvimendi also attracted criticism. He was unable to progress play and was giving away the ball in key areas of the pitch.

But in recent weeks Mikel Arteta’s men have flipped a switch. The defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad was the catalyst for change, with bad players being signed and good players being signed. Mainly Gokeres, who has scored nine goals in the past 14 games.

Whether Arsenal won the title or not, the true judgment was naturally reserved until the end of the season. Well, lo and behold, they were confirmed as champions on Tuesday night. Last summer’s recruiting efforts now look great.

So what’s next? How do you strengthen a team that has won the title?

How Arsenal can strengthen their squad this summer

Dear title winners, we must finally give every bit of praise this team has achieved this season. However, there are some areas that need major upgrades, not only on the left side of the attack but also in midfield.

Left winger Gabriel Martinelli had only scored once in the league, and Leandro Trossard had not scored in his last 25 competitive games until he found the back of the net against West Ham a week and a half ago. As for substitutes, PSG’s Bradley Barcola and Hivça Kvaratschelia are attracting attention.

I feel there is a possibility that some big names will be added to the midfield. Last week it was reported that Arsenal were interested in signing West Ham sensation Matheus Fernandes. The Hammers’ impending relegation will certainly make this deal easier.

Thought to be worth around £70m, it doesn’t come cheap, but neither does signing a long-term target in Sandro Tonali.

Arsenal’s interest in the Newcastle star first became clear on transfer deadline day in the winter, but a move ultimately fell through. Well, it looks like they’re ready to revive the plot over the summer.

According to Tutto Juve, which revealed interest from Serie A giants Juventus, both Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be eyeing Tonali’s signature.

Both sides are said to have been kept “informed” of the Italian’s situation at St James’ Park, suggesting early talks over a transfer took place. However, during these discussions, Mr Thun informed suitors that he would need at least £70 million to lure him away from the North East.

Comparison between Tonali and Martin Zvimendi

Zvimendi looked like the best thing since sliced ​​bread when the Spanish midfielder scored twice against Nottingham Forest earlier in the season.

Arsenal were in need of a midfielder following the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho last season, and the former Real Sociedad man looked like the perfect person to fill the void.

He has long been considered Spain’s new Rodri, and he showed all of that from the early stages of his career at Arsenal. Declan Rice even described him as “unreal” since trading La Liga for the Premier League.

In fact, the midfielder ended up hitting the ground. He plays the second-most minutes (4,179) of any outfield player on the team. The only player who has played more is the aforementioned Rice.

That has led to the resurgence of Myles Lewis-Skelly in recent weeks. He started important games against Fulham, at home against Atletico Madrid and away against West Ham. Zvimendi has currently not started since the first leg draw with Atleti at the end of April.

The Spaniard is likely to play a key role in Arsenal’s title defense next season, but another midfielder will be needed to strengthen the competition. There is a chance they could indeed sign an upgrade deal for Tonali, who was described by analyst and podcaster Adam Joseph as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League”.

One of the biggest areas Zvimendi is lacking this season is the ability to move the game forward. That’s why the energetic and bubbly Lewis Skelly has been a favorite in recent weeks.

But Tonali was able to solve that problem and then some. He makes far more progressive carries and passes compared to the Spaniard. He is also a better shuttler in front of the defense and recovers the ball more.

In addition, he is also a very good player defensively, winning more defensive duels. If Rice likes playing alongside Zvimendi, a partnership with Tonali could prove even more fruitful.