Arsenal legend Michael Thomas is urging the Premier League giants to make a move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez and Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker Ruben Neves, speaking to Caught Offside.
Whisper it, but there is an air of optimism hanging over the Emirates Stadium.
Get this summer right and who knows where this Arsenal side could be in 12 months’ time, presuming Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka maintain their current rate of progression.
There are still a couple of gaping holes in Mikel Arteta’s squad. As it stands, they will not have a single centre-forward on July 1st while their central midfield options look lightweight at best.
But Thomas is confident that solutions to both problems be found between now and the end of August.
CAN ARSENAL SIGN NUNEZ AND NEVES?
“Darwin Nunez has put in some really strong performances in the Champions League this year and he will be a great addition for any club,” says Thomas, who’s iconic goal secured Arsenal’s first league title in 18 years back in 1989.
“He is strong, good with his feet and has that Erling Haaland-like instinct in front of goal. He would be the perfect number 9 for Arsenal. But, if we do not get top four, then I think it will be hard to acquire him.
“All the top teams have now seen what he can do on the biggest stage now. It all hangs in the balance but there is going to be a lot of movement from clubs this summer, and I could see him ending up at Bayern Munich should Robert Lewandowski leave.”
Nunez, an outrageous finisher who’s 33 goals in all competitions have arguably made him the most coveted young striker in Europe outside of the Signal Iduna Park, is reportedly available for £65 million (The Sun).
According to Record, Arsenal have entered talks with the Uruguayan’s representatives. Benfica boss Nelson Verissimo, meanwhile, has already admitted that keeping Nunez at the Estadio da Luz may be an impossible task.
Looking closer to home, Thomas believes that Arsenal can add some quality to their midfield ranks with a man who was linked heavily with the London giants just 12 months ago.
“(Ruben) Neves is a very good player,” Thomas says of Wolves’ midfield maestro. “Top technical ability and already has experience playing in the Premier League.
“He would be a very good addition to the team but I am not sure about the £60million price tag. A price of £35-40m sounds more reasonable.”
