Mikel Arteta is plotting the next evolution of his Arsenal side after winning the Premier League title, with plans to sign Bruno Guimaraes and Morgan Rogers to transform the midfield.
Arteta's Ambition for Expansive Football
Speaking after the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Arteta emphasised the need to be "ambitious" in the transfer market. He praised PSG's quality on the ball and their ability to cause problems with individual actions. "What they are able to do with the ball, with individual actions, I haven't seen it," Arteta said. "It's not the plan to play in certain areas when you don't have the ball but they force you to do that." Asked if he wanted to emulate that, Arteta replied: "Yes, and the individual action that they have for sure."
Bruno Guimaraes as a No8
Arsenal have held initial talks with Guimaraes' representatives, with the Newcastle captain asking to leave. Newcastle insist he is not for sale, but reports suggest a verbal approach around £55 million has been made. Standard Sport understands there has been no official approach or direct club-to-club talks, but Arsenal's interest is clear and a concrete bid is expected. Guimaraes would likely be used primarily as a No8, freeing up Martin Zubimendi to cover Declan Rice as the deepest midfielder. The Brazilian could also play alongside Rice in a double pivot or as a more advanced No8 in the style of Granit Xhaka did in the 2022-23 season.
Morgan Rogers: Attacking Priority
Morgan Rogers is Arsenal's top priority for the summer to bolster attacking options. Like Guimaraes, Rogers is accustomed to the Premier League and would add physicality. If used on the left, Martin Odegaard could be the third midfielder, creating a midfield suited to suffocating teams in possession.
Impact on Midfield Dynamics
Arsenal are open to selling Christian Norgaard, and bringing in a new midfielder is about raising both the floor and ceiling of the squad. Rice has been dealing with neural pain in his hamstring for six months and will need management, especially after the World Cup. Guimaraes scored nine Premier League goals and registered five assists this season, offering more attacking threat than Zubimendi while maintaining defensive aggression. His box-crashing ability would create space for wingers who get stifled when doubled up.
Potential Arsenal XI
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Guimaraes, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Rogers.
