Arteta Adds Man City Midfielder to Summer Transfer Wishlist

• Arsenal’s hopes of a first Premier League title since 2004 ended after their 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest
• Manchester City were confirmed champions and lifted the trophy on Sunday after beating Chelsea 1-0
• The Gunners have already begun plans to bolster their squad ahead of next season

Arsenal have begun plans early for the summer transfer window after seeing their hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy ended by a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Gunners bottled the title to Manchester City, despite being eight points clear at the top of the table on matchday 29- 44 days ago.

Mikel Arteta’s men picked up seven points in seven games after that time, including three consecutive draws to Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton, and losses to Manchester City, Brighton, and Forest.

The north-Londoners are not staying down for long, and have already started laying out plans for the summer window to improve their squad and compete again next season.

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Arsenal interested in Gundogan

According to Athletic UK, the Gunners have identified Manchester City captain, Ilkay Gundogan as a midfield option for next season.

The 33-year-old German is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium in June, and is yet to reach an agreement over a new one amid reports he will leave the club, with Barcelona a likely destination.

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and Chelsea star Mason Mount are other candidates the league runners-up are ready to sign to their midfield, with both players having one year left on their contracts.

According to Mirror UK, Granit Xhaka is set to depart the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season, with Bayer Leverkusen leading the race for his signature.

On loan at Crystal Palace, Belgian midfielder, Albert Sambi Lokonga is also expected to leave the club.

Five possible Arsenal exits

Sports Brief reported on five players that could leave Arsenal this summer, as Mikel Arteta plans a massive clearout of unwanted stars to allow for new faces.

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Club record signing, Nicolas Pepe is one of the players who will leave, while high-flying youngster, Folarin Balogun could also be set for an exit.

Pablo Mari will stay at Monza after meeting the requirements to make the deal permanent, while Cedric Soares and Reiss Nelson will also be shown the door.