Leeds face a key summer to bring in the players needed to kick on
James Smailes Head of All Out Rugby League and Yorkshire sport at Reach plc
10:16, 17 May 2026Updated 10:23, 17 May 2026
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are pushing for the Premier League title(Image: Getty Images)
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been told he needs to be ruthless and follow Mikel Arteta's Arsenal lead when it comes to this summer's transfer window.
The example of the Arsenal manager has been provided by former Leeds player Danny Mills, who points to the Gunners bringing in David Raya when they already had an established goalkeeper at the club in Aaron Ramsdale.
It's not the goalkeeper department Mills is referring too, despite the fact movement will need to happen in that department this summer. It is up front where the former defender wants to see Farke strengthen, by finding a replacement for England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Mills believes Leeds need to upgrade their striker options and must go in search of a new lead man this summer, with Burnley's Zian Flemming currently being heavily linked with a switch to Elland Road.
"I think Leeds should be looking at centre forwards," said Mills, speaking to Bet St George. "Can you find a centre forward to put the ball to the back of the net? Obviously, they took a risk on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
"Scoring goals is one of the most important things. You look every season, can we add to the starting XI and make it better? Can we find two or three players to make it better?
"Mikel Arteta did that at Arsenal, he brought in David Raya when everyone already thought they had a great goalkeeper. But ultimately he thought Raya was a little bit better than what he had, so why would you not take that opportunity to enhance your squad? If you can bring in transfers that are better than what you've got, then that's what you have to do."
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Leeds will look to make a number of additions across the team this summer, with goalkeeper and striker among them. Another key area Mills believes the Whites must prioritise is in the wing-back role.
Farke's decision to switch to a back five paid dividends earlier in the season and has seen a new blueprint emerge at Elland Road. The club had not recruited with that structure in mind, however. Which is what Mills wants to see them do this summer, despite the impressive contributions from the likes of Jayden Bogle and Garbriel Gudmundsson.
Mills added; "I think recruitment is going to be huge for Leeds in summer following their fantastic effort this season. They effectively changed their formation mid-season to a back five, which has worked really well for them.
"If they continue with a back five, they must prioritise wing-backs as it’s a very specialised position. Only certain players can play the wing-back role, it requires exceptional fitness, defensive solidity, and offensive ability. Finding players who possess all three attributes is difficult."
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