Arsenal have received the green light to pursue a blockbuster £140 million double deal for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi, as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad ahead of a Premier League title defence. Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has urged club owner Stan Kroenke to sanction the acquisitions.
Emmanuel Petit Backs £140m Double Swoop
Speaking to Jackpot City Casino, Petit said: "Bruno Guimaraes is a good player. If you add Ayyoub Bouaddi as well, there are some great options out there for Arsenal. But as I said, they need to clear some positions first, which means they have to sell some players." Petit added that Arsenal already have a strong midfield core with Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Odegaard, but noted the need for rotation: "When you need to add quality, you need to keep possession of the ball. We didn't see that against Paris Saint-Germain. They have been the best team in the world for the last two seasons and have the greatest midfield players in terms of possession. But players like Guimaraes can hold the ball."
Competition for Dario Osorio
Arsenal are also monitoring Midtjylland winger Dario Osorio, dubbed the 'next Alexis Sanchez'. The 22-year-old Chilean scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in 49 appearances last season, helping his side win the Danish Cup. His contract runs until June 2030, and he is valued at between £10.3 million and £12.9 million. However, Midtjylland sporting director Kristian Kjaer confirmed that Arsenal face competition from other Premier League clubs and Benfica, whose new manager Marco Silva admired Osorio during his time at Fulham. Speaking to ADN Deportes, Kjaer said: "We know Arsenal have been interested in Osorio, but we also know other Premier League clubs have been the same. In my opinion, the Premier League suits him very well because he has a very hard-working mentality. His defensive transitions are incredible, his top speed is incredible. He's a left-footed right winger who can go to either side of his direct opponent. He has everything. In Chile, he's considered the next Alexis Sánchez. I think he can make a difference in the Premier League."
Arsenal's Midfield Targets
Arteta has identified midfield as a priority area for reinforcement. Bruno Guimaraes, valued at £80 million, has been on Arsenal's radar since his time at Lyon. Ayyoub Bouaddi, valued at £60 million, has been linked with a move to north London, with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly engaging in talks with the midfielder's agents. The Gunners have already secured the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie following a loan stint, but new signings have been slow to materialise this summer.
