Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing Ilkay Gundogan; club want Mason Mount, and more - May 23, 2023
Arsenal face Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates on Sunday (May 28) in their final game of the Premier League season. Mikel Arteta's team are set to end the season in second place.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. Elsewhere, the north London side want Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount at the Emirates.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on May 23, 2023:
Arsenal eyeing Ilkay Gundogan
Arsenal have held talks with Ilkay Gundogan's entourage regarding a move this summer, according to The Daily Mail (via Caught Offside).
The German midfielder's contract with Manchester City runs out at the end of the season, but he's yet to sign a new deal. The 32-year-old has been in glorious form for the Cityzens this season, amassing nine goals and seven assists in 48 games across competitions.
His form as well as contract situation has alerted the Gunners, who want a new face to cover for Martin Odegaard. Gundogan is proven in the Premier League, and his winning experience would do a world of good for Arteta's young squad.
Arsenal have enjoyed great success with former City players like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Gundogan could be the latest addition to that group.
Gunners want Mason Mount
Arsenal are interested in Mason Mount, according to Goal (via Caught Offside). The English midfielder enter sthe final year of his contract with Chelsea this summer, but talks of an extension haven't been fruitful so far. The Blues want to tie him down to a new deal but won't be averse to cashing in on him if the 24-year-old continues to stall a new contract.
The Gunners are keen to take advantage of the situation and have already initiated talks with the player's camp. With Granit Xhaka set to leave and Emile Smith Rowe's future up in the air, Mount could be a fabulous addition to Arteta's squad.
The Englishman is also wanted by Liverpool, but Arsenal could win the race, as they will offer UEFA Champions League football.
Mikel Arteta already planning for next season, says Ian Wright
Club legend Ian Wright reckons Mikel Arteta and Edu are already planning to mount a title challenge next season. The Gunners put up a good fight against Manchester City in the Premier League title race this season before coming short in the final weeks.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Wright said Manchester City are ruthless in the business end of the season.
"I don’t think you can question the quality of the manager (Pep Guardiola), the players, the intensity, their determination to win, to have a standard of football that we are talking about as some of the greatest we’ve ever seen," said Wright.
He added:
"Look at Liverpool trying to chase them down, you saw what happened to Arsenal. Arsenal drew three games, and we know that Manchester City are able to go on that run, where you can’t afford to do that because they do not slip up at this stage of the season."
Wright admitted that it will be tough for his former team to catch up with City but backed Arteta to bring in the right players to make it happen.
"This is why five out of six Premier Leagues they’ve won, because they’ve got the best coach, they’ve got the best team, they’ve got great resources; it’s very difficult for other teams to live up to the pressure. Liverpool lost one game," said Wright.
He continued:
"You know the levels they’re setting, that’s why it’s a tough job for Arsenal; it’s going to be so hard. But I think Edu and Mikel are all over it in trying to bring the kind of player who can sustain a challenge."
The North London side are linked with multiple signings ahead of the summer.