Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has supposedly been earmarked as Arsenal's leading transfer target for the summer of 2024.
Despite spending no less than £170m on the double acquisition of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in the most recent window, Arsenal could be in the market for more engine room reinforcements next year.
The Gunners currently stand to lose Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho when both players' contracts expire at the end of the campaign, although the former has expressed a desire to retire in North London.
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey was believed to have been on the radar of Juventus over the summer, and the Bianconeri could reignite their interest next year due to Nicolo Fagioli and Paul Pogba's bans.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia are also believed to be tracking the injury-plagued Ghana international, who has apparently grown frustrated with his peripheral role in the Arsenal team this term and could scope out alternative options next year.
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An approach for Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips has been mooted, but according to FootballTransfers, Mikel Arteta instead has his eye on Real Madrid and France lynchpin Tchouameni.
The former Monaco man snubbed interest from the Premier League to join Los Blancos last summer, rebuffing Liverpool and Manchester United to join the club as Casemiro's successor.
Real Madrid paid €80m (£69.6m) to prise Tchouameni away from Ligue 1, and the 23-year-old has since turned out on 63 occasions for Los Blancos, registering one goal and four assists.
Tchouameni has started nine of Real's first 10 La Liga games of the new campaign - even filling in as a centre-back in a 4-0 win over Osasuna - as Carlo Ancelotti's side lead the way at the top of the table with 25 points, clear of surprise package Girona on goal difference.
However, Tchouameni's performances have been met with mixed reviews, and Arsenal apparently made contact with Real Madrid this summer to gauge their interest in a deal, but their advances were met with the cold shoulder.
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The France international is still contracted to Real Madrid for another five years, and Los Blancos affirmed that he was not for sale in the summer, but their stance could change in 2024.
The report adds that Ancelotti's side are planning to splash the cash next year ahead of an expected approach for Kylian Mbappe, and big-money sales may have to be sanctioned to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
While a deal to bring Tchouameni to the Emirates is still seen as difficult, it is not entirely out of the question, and Arteta is driving Arsenal's interest in the former Monaco man, who would come into the number six role and allow Rice to operate further forward.
Arteta is also said to be intrigued by the prospect of fielding Tchouameni alongside his compatriot William Saliba, as Arsenal seek to add a youthful touch to their ageing engine room.
Tchouameni is expected to start for Real Madrid when Los Blancos tackle Barcelona in El Clasico on Saturday, while Arsenal take on Sheffield United in their next Premier League battle.
Ben Knapton
