Unai Emery is keen to add more depth in the squad
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 and will miss the Champions League next season.
Unai Emery has been appointed as the new manager of the Gunners after Arsene Wenger left at the end of the season and is charged with the task of returning the club to the European elite while challenging for major honours.
The Spaniard has targeted a defensive midfielder ahead of the next season. Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere were released by the club after their contracts expired leaving them short in that area.
The lack of a natural screening presence behind Granit Xhaka or Aaron Ramsey has often seemed to unbalance the team in recent seasons. The club are close to the signing of Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira who is expected to be announced after the World Cup but the Spaniard coach is looking for another midfielder this summer.
Barcelona’s Andre Gomes is among the midfield options being considered by Arsenal manager Emery, reports The Independent.
The Portugal International joined the Spanish side from Valencia in a deal that could reach £48 million in 2016. He was tipped to emulate Xavi having blossomed in the La Liga.
But the 24 year old has endured a nightmare two year spell at the Camp Nou on an individual level, despite the Catalan giants’ cruising towards a La Liga title and reaching the latter stages of the Champions League yet again.
He was expected to be sold last summer but stayed as the La Liga giants couldn’t reach an agreement with Liverpool for Philippe Coutinho. Ernesto Valverde is now expected to cut him loose and he is also keen for an exit as he is frustrated with limited game time.
The Premier League giants are prepared to offload one of those currently on their books to help fund a £30 million move for the Portuguese midfielder.
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