Four players Arsenal could sign this summer and five transfers they are unlikely to complete

Arsenal will already be setting their transfer plans in motion ahead of the summer window opening.

The Gunners enjoyed a fine campaign this term, coming close to the Premier League title, but they will want to go one better next season, while also mounting solid run in the Champions League. To do that, Mikel Arteta is going to have to add more quality to his squad, and he has a number of positions to strengthen.

With that in mind, we have taken a look at the most likely signings Arsenal this summer, and also those that are not so likely.

The most likely moves

Declan Rice

Rice seems like the most likely signing despite West Ham set to demand a huge fee.

The Gunners know they need to strengthen their midfield with a top quality signing, and they know they are going to have to spend big to pull off a deal. It’s clear they like Rice, and it’s likely the England international will be on the move after proving his loyalty to the Hammers. This one feels likely at this stage.

Ivan Fresneda

Arsenal need long-term depth at full-back, and Real Valladolid starlet Fresneda has been heavily linked. Valladolid could go down this weekend, and whether they do or not, Fresneda may well move on.

The Gunners will want to sign some young talent to compliment the signing they make for immediate impact, and Fresneda appears to be top of that particular list. There have been some question marks over the full-back’s defensive play, but Arteta will hope he can develop the 18-year-old right-back.

Wilfried Gnonto

This link has emerged as a dark horse over recent days following Leeds United’s relegation to the Championship.

Gnonto impressed with his energetic displays in a struggling Leeds side, and he has big ambitions, already an Italy international. The 19-year-old could be a nice alternative to Bukayo Saka off the bench, and he has plenty of potential long term. Given Leeds signed Gnonto on the cheap, Arsenal may also be able to get a deal done at a reasonable price, offering Leeds a quick profit following their relegation.

Mohammed Kudus

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder feels like a more realistic target to some of the other players linked in his position.

Kudus scored 18 and assisted six this season, and he has already declared his desire to leave Ajax this summer. This could be one Arsenal make happen, with Ajax likely powerless if the player is willing to push for a departure this summer.

The less likely moves

Joao Cancelo

Cancelo has been linked with Arsenal as he prepares to return from his loan spell with Bayern Munich.

Manchester City will almost certainly sell him this summer, but Abendzeitung report the full-back has no interest in playing in England again any time soon. That could rule out an Arsenal move. The Gunners are not likely to spend more than £50million on a full-back this summer in any case

Serge Gnabry

Gnabry has been linked with a return to Arsenal this summer, but it would be a pricey deal this summer.

Gnabry is a fine player, but Bayern Munich won’t want to lose him, and this one feels a year too soon give the winger’s contract situation, under terms until 2026.

Ruben Neves

Neves is on the move this summer, and for a cut-price deal due to having just a year remaining on his deal. But it feels more likely the Wolves star will find a move abroad amid interest from the likes of Barcelona.

James Maddison

In a similar situation to Neves, Maddison could well be sold for Leicester to make what they can on their talent this summer instead of losing him for free this time next year. Not only that, but Maddison is not likely to play Championship football any time soon.

Still, Arteta may well want a player with more European experience as he looks to guide his side to another step forward next season. Maddison would be stepping up, and the Gunners can hardly afford to offer any time to adapt if they want to make a serious run for the title again next season.

Mason Mount

Mount is set to leave Chelsea this summer, and he does have high-level experience.

This might be one the Gunners are considering, but it does look as though Manchester United will get there first. For that reason, this one goes down as unlikely.