Arsenal Transfer News: Alvaro Morata, Granit Xhaka Lead Triple-Raid Rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will reportedly sanction a trio of major transfers that’ll total a whopping £80 million this summer, with Juventus forward Alvaro Morata, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Granit Xhaka and Borussia Dortmund playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan to be targeted.

According to Charlie Wyett of the Sun, the club is hoping to “appease” an increasingly angry section of the fanbase, who have watched the Gunners fall short in another Premier League title chase. The piece suggests Xhaka and Morata would each cost £30 million.

A new striker would certainly be appealing to Arsenal supporters, especially given the recent goalscoring troubles of Olivier Giroud and news of Danny Welbeck's long-term injury. Here is what Morata could offer:

Wyett reported Real Madrid have an option to re-sign the Spain international striker this summer for £23 million, although they are unlikely to take it up, meaning Juventus could offload their man for around £30 million.

However, should Los Blancos not want to bring Morata back, the Italian champions would surely do all they can to keep the forward on board. After all, he’s become a key part of the setup in Turin and has the potential to form a fearsome partnership with Paulo Dybala up front for many years to come.

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Bleacher Report’s Gianni Verschueren offered his thoughts on a possible deal, noting the final decision ultimately rests with the player:

It seems as though a reshaped midfield could also be on the cards at the Emirates Stadium, with Xhaka and Mkhitaryan both linked.

According to a report from the Rheinische Post (h/t BT Sport’s Archie Rhind-Tutt), Arsenal have already offered €43 million (£34 million) for Xhaka. He would add dynamism, steel and tenacity to this critical area of the field, something Arsenal have been without in recent seasons.

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Even with Francis Coquelin or Mohamed Elneny in the side, the Gunners have looked vulnerable in matches when teams keep them pinned back under pressure. Xhaka, able to break up play and burst forward with the ball, would be an antidote for this longstanding problem.

John Cross of the Daily Mirror outlined why Arsenal feel as though the Switzerland international is the right man to beef up their midfield:

Mkhitaryan operates a little further forward on the pitch. He’s a fascinating player, too, having struggled badly in 2014-15, looking as though he was never quite going to get to grips with an elite European league. But the Armenia international has bounced back with a swagger this season.

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Whether drifting in off either flank or working in tandem with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan has been at the crux of so many positive parts of Dortmund’s season. Here are some of his best moments:

He looks like an Arsenal player, too. Elegant on the ball, capable of carving out space on the pitch and always thinking a couple of passes ahead, you could see Mkhitaryan slotting comfortably into the Gunners’ attacking setup. 

DW Sports' Alex Chaffer relayed reports from Germany recently, suggesting there’s a chance the player could be on the move:

For Arsenal, it’s going to be an intriguing summer. If Wenger did manage to get all three of these players to come to the Emirates Stadium, the team would look so much more equipped to challenge for major honours. Morata and Xhaka in particular would plug holes that have hampered this Arsenal team for far too long.

And Mkhitaryan would add a stardust that has been scarce in the Gunners’ attacking forays this season. The potential of him linking up with Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and possibly even Morata is a tantalising proposition for the north London outfit.