Mikel Arteta could lead a summer rebuild at Arsenal.
With a potentially limited transfer budget dependant on Champions League qualification, the Gunners have been tipped to target some lower profile names and free transfers ahead of the summer transfer window.
Amid links to Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kocku and Gent forward Jonathan David, our Arsenal writer James Benge gave an update on the club's transfer plans during a Q&A with fans last Wednesday .
"There's genuine interest in Kokcu and David," he said. "A lot of this is laid out in a piece I wrote last month on the unusual ways in which Arsenal could be looking for successors to Mesut Ozil.
"Both David and Kokcu are serious targets for Arsenal over the summer but we’re some way short of bids for either.
"Both fit the sort of profile that Arsenal are looking for in future signings, relatively unheralded prospects who can be secured for relatively low fees and can supplement a squad with regular marquee additions.
"David is more of a forward/second striker and Kokcu a midfield playmaker so there’s no reason why both couldn’t be signed, although the former in particular has doubts as to whether Arsenal would be the right next step for him and whether he’d be guaranteed regular minutes.
"He could end up in Germany.
"I genuinely don’t know of any current interest from Arsenal in Tah, though I also wouldn’t dispute whether or not there is any. It’s well-known though that the Gunners have been planning to make additions at centre-back this summer."
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in signing defender Dayot Upamecano this summer, but much could depend on Champions League qualification - if the Premier League season resumes.
"Arsenal's interest in Upamecano is genuine and long-standing," Benge added. "Arsenal have been tracking Upamecano for several years. Contrary to reports at the time they did not make a bid for him last summer, largely because he was out of their reach at in excess of £70million.
"As things stand that will change this summer, when the 21-year-old will have just one year left on his contract.
"Reports in Germany are that he has rejected a new deal, leaving Leipzig in that awkward position of cashing in or risking losing Upamecano for nothing. If that is the case Arsenal clearly have cause for hope.
"They have laid the groundwork for some time and Upamecano dreams of a move to the Premier League.
"What will Arsenal have to offer Upamecano that those teams do not? That is the challenge I see for them in terms of getting him in to the Emirates, especially if there’s no Champions League football on the cards. Arsenal have exceptional training facilities, an outstanding reputation for developing youngsters and a manager whose esteem in the game is already growing.
"But if Upamecano feels he is taking a step down in joining Arsenal then Raul Sanllehi, Edu and Mikel Arteta are going to have to be very convincing."
