Arsenal eyeing moves for Gelson Martins and Bernd Leno

Unai Emery is looking to bolster his squad for next season

Arsenal endured an underwhelming season as they failed to win any silverware in Arsene Wenger’s final campaign. They finished 6th in the Premier League, reached the Carabao Cup final and the Europa League semi-final.

Unai Emery has been appointed as the new manager of the Gunners and is charged with the task of returning the club to the European elite while challenging for major honours.

The Spaniard is expected to be busy in the summer transfer window in order to strengthen the squad for next season. He has been told by the club’s board he will have to operate under a restricted transfer budget of £50 million during his first summer in charge at the Emirates.

Despite limits on what they can spend, the Premier League giants have already completed the signing of Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer. They have wasted little time having struck a deal to sign Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira for £26 million.

Arsenal are also eyeing moves for Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno and Portugal international Gelson Martins, according to Sky Sports.

They have been handed a major boost after top target Martins terminated his contract with Sporting Lisbon. He is considered one of the biggest talents of Portugal in the last few years.

The 23 year old was a regular for the club last season, scoring 11 goals and assisting 9 in 47 appearances. His displays attracted attention from many top clubs.

There were reports earlier that the former PSG boss was interested in signing the winger as a long term replacement for Alexis Sanchez and was preparing a bid for him. But now could sign him on a free transfer, who would usually command a fee of around £30 million.

Peter Cech and David Ospina both struggled last season and the club have made signing a world class goalkeeper their priority this summer.

Leno has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the league over the past few seasons. The English side are in advance talks with him and he is expected to cost around £25 million.