Arteta rethinks Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy, targeting more comprehensive squad reinforcement in response to recent setbacks.

• Arsenal’s recent defeat to Manchester City prompts Arteta to re-evaluate the club’s summer transfer strategy.
• The original plan focused on signing Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, but Arteta now seeks to strengthen the entire squad.
• Arsenal is considering more affordable alternatives like Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans as part of their revised transfer plans.

Arsenal’s recent defeat to Manchester City (1:4) has reportedly led manager Mikel Arteta to re-evaluate the club’s summer transfer strategy. With Manchester City now at the top of the table with a game in hand, Arteta is reportedly considering a more comprehensive approach to reinforcing his squad.

According to The S*n, Arsenal’s original plan was to sign two key midfielders for up to €170 million – Declan Rice (24) from West Ham United and Moises Caicedo (21) from Brighton & Hove Albion.

However, Arteta is now keen on strengthening the squad across the board, including adding two more defenders and another winger for the next season.

This decision is said to be driven by Arteta’s realisation that the current squad lacks depth to adequately compensate for injured players, which may cost them the title this season.

Moreover, Arsenal have already qualified for next season’s Champions League and want to maintain a high level of performance in the competition. For that, they will need more players.

The club is now exploring whether the additional transfers can fit within their budget.

Meanwhile, players currently on loan are unlikely to feature significantly in the Gunners’ plans and may be sold to raise extra cash.

Securing Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo will not come cheap. West Ham captain Rice, whose contract runs until 2024, could cost up to €113 million. Brighton have already rejected a £68 million offer for Caicedo, suggesting his price will also be steep, especially as he has since signed a new contract.

Arsenal are said to be considering more affordable alternatives, with Chelsea’s Mason Mount (24) and Leicester’s Youri Tielemans (25) rumoured to be on the radar.

Tielemans, in particular, would be a free transfer in the summer and has been long-linked with Arsenal.