Arsenal have been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years, and now Mikel Arteta has already identified the man he wants to add to his title-winning squad first.
The Gunners ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League trophy thanks to Man City's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, handing them the trophy with a game to spare, allowing them time to celebrate and relax before taking on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30th.
But despite their huge successes this season, the club are not ready to settle for where they are currently and are making plans to push on in the transfer market, with a big-money signing lined up.
Arteta Decides on First Signing for Champions Arsenal
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta
According to a report by Tutto Juve, Arsenal are the frontrunners to seal a deal to sign Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali this summer.
The Magpies are expecting the Italy international to attract some big bids during the summer window, and have slapped an €80m (£69.2m) asking price on his head as they look to try and keep hold of him, in a window where they are expecting a major rebuild themselves.
It's reported that Arteta sees the Italy international as a 'perfect addition' to his midfield options, where he would compete with Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Christian Norgaard, and Myles Lewis-Skelly for a place in the side.
Arteta believes that he would add intensity, quality, leadership, and balance to the team, and the asking price is unlikely to be a major obstacle for the Gunners, with the Spanish boss putting him at the top of his wishlist for the transfer window.
Tonali could become the club's first signing since being crowned Premier League champions, and he would immediately be a statement of intent to rivals looking to take their crown next season.
Tonali Would Be a Statement Signing
Sandro Tonali
Tonali is widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League, and the Gunners showed an interest in his services during the January window.
Their long-term interest goes back further than that, too, but now feels like the perfect opportunity to make a strong push to get a deal done, with Newcastle not playing in Europe next season and anticipating some stars leaving.
A big offer could really tempt them into a sale, and Arsenal now have the pull to attract the biggest stars to the Emirates.
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