Arsenal expand talent search: Linked with Swedish prodigy, La Liga winger, and Barcelona star

This summer’s transfer window promises to be eventful for Arsenal fans. As Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ scouts search far and wide, the focus is on securing skilful newcomers to strengthen the club’s attack and transform their midfield.

Midfield target #1: Frenkie de Jong’s uncertain Barcelona future

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong warms up before the start of the Spanish league football match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and FC Barcelona on November 25, 2023. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong warms up before the start of the Spanish league football match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and FC Barcelona on November 25, 2023. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

Spanish source Relevo indicates that Frenkie de Jong‘s Barcelona tenure is shakier than ever before. Disillusionment with the club’s trajectory and Barca’s well-known financial hurdles raise the possibility of an exit.

Reports from HITC reveal Arsenal have taken proactive steps, requesting to be kept informed. This isn’t a new link – the Gunners expressed interest long before the Dutch midfielder signed with Barcelona – but this step suggests genuine intent this time.

Midfield target #2: Arsenal and Liverpool battle for Hugo Larsson

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - JANUARY 26: Hugo Larsson of Frankfurt reacts during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Deutsche Bank Park on January 26, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 26: Hugo Larsson of Frankfurt reacts during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Deutsche Bank Park on January 26, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Swedish sensation Hugo Larsson is reportedly set to spark a bidding war. Currently showcasing his potential with Eintracht Frankfurt, this 19-year-old has caught Arsenal and Liverpool‘s attention.

His balanced style and statistics (two goals, two assists in 28 games) point towards bright future potential. Arsenal‘s pursuit fits their established pattern of targeting the next generation of footballing talent.

Eintracht holds all the cards for now, though, with Larsson under contract until 2028, adding an extra challenge to potential negotiations.

Winger option emerges: Nico Williams joins the mix

Athletic Bilbao's Spanish forward Nico Williams reacts during the Spanish League football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Athletic Club Bilbao at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, on February 19, 2023. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP) (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish forward Nico Williams reacts during the Spanish League football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Athletic Club Bilbao at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, on February 19, 2023. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP) (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

Reports from the Mirror link Arsenal to yet another promising name: Athletic Club‘s winger Nico Williams. While other Premier League rivals and Real Madrid might present competition, Williams’ skillset – evidenced by five goals and 10 assists this season – is a natural fit for the Gunners’ dynamic style.

Like many young stars, he comes with a significant price tag (around €55m) set in his release clause. Whether Arsenal are willing to invest that heavily remains to be seen.

The big picture

These transfer rumours reveal Arsenal‘s focus. Young, adaptable talents with significant ability in both midfield and attack are firmly on the radar.

As Arteta fine-tunes his squad for Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League ambitions, signing up-and-coming stars fits within his ambitious project.