Arsenal have been strongly linked with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice (Picture: Getty)
Martin Keown has urged his former club Arsenal to sign a new midfielder and right-back in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are keen to strengthen ahead of the 2023-24 season after their runner-up finish in the Premier League – as they attempt to close the gap to champions Manchester City and land their first top-flight trophy since 2004.
Arsenal went close in 2022-23 – leading the table for a total of 248 days – which is the most ever for a team who failed to win the league, and many have suggested that their lack of strength in depth was a key reason why City ended up on top.
The north London club have been linked with summer moves for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and City right-back Joao Cancelo – with Keown feeling those are two key positions the Gunners must prioritise in the transfer window.
‘To go one better next season and win the title, they’ll need to strengthen in all departments,’ Keown told William Hill.
‘Definitely in midfield – Thomas Partey has been injured for long periods and also had a dip in form this season, so they’ll want to bring in another midfielder.
‘Also at right-back, there’s an area that they’ll want to strengthen, with Takehiro Tomiyasu having been injured, so they’ll need to buy a recognised right-back as well. But I’m sure the club will target a top midfield player, they’ve been linked with lots of players, so let’s see what happens for the start of next season.’
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Keown, meanwhile, has warned Arsenal that City will continue to dominate in the years to come.
‘Man City can go on and win the treble now,’ he added. ‘They’ve won five Premier Leagues in the last six seasons but I feel like this is just the beginning. It’s Pep Guardiola’s team proper.
‘At Barcelona he kind of inherited the group, but this is his team – it’s just Kevin De Bruyne that he didn’t sign. I think if they can pull it off and win the Champions League then we might see them dominate Europe for years to come.’
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‘I’m sure the club will target a top midfield player…’
