Edu knows perfect midfield signing for Arsenal this summer and it's not Declan Rice

Arsenal transfer news: Two midfielders are likely to be acquired by the Gunners this summer with Declan Rice as one and a perfect Granit Xhaka replacement as the other

Arsenal are anticipating a busy summer transfer window with Mikel Arteta and Edu keen to bolster the squad now that Champions League football is returning to Emirates Stadium. For the first time in seven seasons, the Gunners will be competing against Europe's elite and therefore the need for an 18-man squad filled with suitable options will be prominent.

Declan Rice is the priority signing, football.london understands, while another midfielder is likely to arrive in north London especially given Granit Xhaka's impending exit. The Switzerland international is expected to sign for Bayer Leverkusen this summer, with football.london reporting the two parties were in advanced talks over a £13million deal in late May.

Moises Caicedo, Martin Zubimendi, Ilkay Gundogan and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are just a few other midfielders linked with the Gunners while adding a new central defender and right-back into the squad is also in the summer plans.

Despite Rice being the main target, it could certainly be argued that in the short-term acquiring a box-to-box option is more important than signing a holding midfielder. Currently at the club who can operate in the deeper role is Jorginho and Thomas Partey, whereas if Xhaka leaves it would just be Fabio Vieira who struggled in his first season at the club.

Edu likely already has a clear shortlist of advanced midfield targets, but there is one name probably missing from that who could be perfect for the Gunners. Inter's Nicolo Barella has enjoyed another stellar season in Italy with his displays from the middle of the park key in taking Simone Inzaghi's side to the Champions League final where they will face Manchester City on June 10.

The Italy international was particularly impressive in Inter's semi-final victory against bitter rivals AC Milan. Alongside Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Barella helped Inter dominate the midfield battle and his impact in the final third is another reason why Edu may look to bring him to north London.

Replacing Xhaka, who scored nine goals and grabbed seven assists from 47 games, will be no easy task, but Barella posted very similar attacking numbers. From 50 games played, the 26-year-old has 19 goal contributions proving he is not just integral defensively, but can also have a huge say in the final third.

Inter have struggled financially since the coronavirus pandemic which could mean a marquee departure occurs this summer and therefore Barella leaving cannot be ruled out. Liverpool have also shown a keen interest with Jurgen Klopp planning a major midfield rebuild, while Chelsea have previously been linked and a mass midfield exodus at Stamford Bridge could see their interest return.

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