Despite narrowly missing out on clinching the title in the previous campaign, the Gunners exhibited remarkable improvement and will approach the next term with a sense of optimism regarding their prospects of securing silverware.
However, Arsenal acknowledges the pressing need to bolster their ranks significantly, given the similar intentions of their direct competitors.
Reportedly, Arsenal has identified Declan Rice as a primary transfer target for the summer window.
Nevertheless, speculations regarding potential moves to the Gunners have also circulated around other high-profile players. Among them is Ilkay Gundogan, whose exceptional performances for Manchester City this season have been nothing short of sensational.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Arsenal has recently initiated talks with Gundogan, as indicated by information obtained via Sport Witness. The negotiations were reportedly delayed until the final month of the player's contract.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, is believed to perceive the acquisition of the 32-year-old midfielder as a means to elevate the team's overall quality. Furthermore, Arteta possesses an intimate understanding of Gundogan's abilities from their time together when Arteta served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola.
Gundogan is said to have four options before him: Arsenal, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, or a contract extension with Manchester City.
Opinion
Pep Guardiola himself has praised Gundogan as "one of the best players I ever trained in my career in terms of the whole package." This sentiment is widely shared, given the midfielder's impressive performances for City, who are on the verge of achieving a historic treble this season.
Should City emerge victorious against Inter Milan in the upcoming Champions League final, they will match the illustrious achievement of the legendary Manchester United side of 1998-99.
Once the outcome of the final is determined, Gundogan's future destination becomes uncertain. Nonetheless, Arsenal appears to have a strong chance of securing his services. The potential reunion with Arteta, Gabriel Jesus, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, coupled with the allure of a fresh challenge, may entice Gundogan.
While Arsenal has reclaimed its position among the elite, ensuring the successful acquisition of players like Gundogan poses a formidable task. However, the Gunners seem poised to undertake this challenge, and Gundogan may be enticed by the prospect of contributing to their resurgence.