Arsenal have already activated unthinkable £100m transfer plan as Mikel Arteta craves his own Rodri

Arsenal seem prepared to make several marquee new signings in order to finally overthrow Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. Mikel Arteta has been narrowly tipped to the Premier League title by his mentor in the last two seasons, but he appears intent on ending that cycle over the next eight months and beyond.

Having brought in Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori as new arrivals, Arteta looks to have achieved his objectives for this past summer’s window. A huge acquisition was never really on the cards with the Gunners boss and Co. focused on raising the floor of the squad, not the ceiling.

Sanctioning more marquee moves after a £200million spend last summer would have left Arsenal in a tricky financial position. However, the shackles appear to be off for 2025 considering the calibre of names Arsenal are already being linked with.

Fresh off Arteta having his new three-year contract confirmed, the priority looks to be back on transfers with an ambitious triple plan being revealed.

Musiala plan activated

Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala could make his return to England with his name coming up in Arsenal’s search for a unique attacking addition, as per the Times.

Alongside Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao, Musiala was an attacker of interest to the Gunners, though his £100million asking price seemingly scared off suitors; however, that could change next summer. Following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, the 21-year-old will have just 12 months remaining on his current deal.

Concrete extension talks don’t look to have taken place just yet, which could leave the door open for a permanent exit and a much lower price next year.

football.london says: “Bringing Musiala to Emirates Stadium would be some statement of intent from Arteta and Edu. The former Chelsea ace has the world at his feet and could be the player to ultimately bring prolonged success to Arsenal.

“To sign a star of such talents, it is no surprise that Bayern would entertain anything less than £100million, but they could yet be forced into a corner. If we have learnt anything about how Arteta and Edu operate, it is that they are meticulous, and thus if a pursuit of Musiala is formalised, it will have been a decision carefully thought about it.

“Liverpool have previously shown an interest in Musiala, but he absolutely fits the mould of the unique attacker Arteta is looking to bring in.”

Arteta looking for his own Rodri

Alongside the interest in Jamal Musiala, the Times also claim Arsenal are hoping to sign a young defensive midfielder. Manchester City signed Rodri just after his 23rd birthday and it is clear Arteta will be hoping a new No.6 can have a similar impact.

It also hints he sees Declan Rice’s best position further forward with Thomas Partey and Jorginho, his two other options at the base of midfield, not getting any younger.

“Pursuing long-term target Martin Zubimendi will likely be a waste of time given his clear eagerness to stay at Real Sociedad. He also turns 26 before the next summer window, which may result in him being considered too old for Arteta, especially with Musiala and Williams 22 or younger.

“With this plan unlikely to become clear until the lead up to the summer window, Edu and his team have plenty of time to scour the globe in search of what Arteta is looking for.”