Arsenal have one of the strongest squads in Europe already, and that has shown with the excellent season they have had so far.
The Gunners were handily beaten in the Carabao Cup final by Manchester City, but are already in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and Champions League, while they also sit nine points clear of their closest rivals in the Premier League with just seven games remaining.
But plans are already underway to strengthen the squad further this summer, and they have now seemingly been given the green light by the player himself to make a huge statement by hijacking one of the biggest deals of the window.
Arsenal Eyeing Elliot Anderson Deal
Elliot Anderson
Anderson, who has become a regular starter for England this season and been described by Thomas Tuchel as 'elite', is expected to depart Nottingham Forest this summer amid strong interest from some of the biggest clubs in the country.
Man Utd are ready to go 'all-out' to bring him to Old Trafford, while the player is said to be leaning towards a move to Man City, who could make a move if Rodri decides to leave rather than see out the final year of his contract.
But reports emerged over the weekend that Arsenal are now looking at entering the race and hijacking the deal, with the club comfortable with how they are positioned for any potential transfer.
But now Anderson has poured some gasoline on the fire about a potential switch to north London, by admitting that current Arsenal star Declan Rice has been a huge influence on him and the two have grown close while on international duty.
“Dec’s helped me on and off the pitch," he said.
"Just little things on the training pitch, bits of advice, putting his arm around me and just building on the relationship (in central midfield). I'm trying to learn from him the way he plays."
Anderson Arrival Would Be Huge Statement
Elliot Anderson Declan Rice
While the central midfield fo Rice and Martin Zubimendi has been strong this season, it hasn't been without it's faults, and Arteta will be keen to add more depth.
Mikel Merino is a completely different player, Christian Norgaard has barely played and was an odd signing to begin with, while Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard are far more attack-minded.
Anderson could easily come in and compete for a spot in the side, and if Arsenal decide they want to firm up their interest in the 23-year-old, then they may have the trump card in talks by using Rice to sweeten the pot.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta Related
Arsenal Send Scouts to Watch Highly-Rated 6ft 5 Star Over Cut-Price Deal
Arsenal scouts have been closely watching a highly-rated 6ft 5' centre-back ahead of the summer, with a cut-price deal being mooted.