Arsenal urged to sign relegated duo as part of five-man transfer overhaul

31 May 2023 , 16:48

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Arsenal urged to sign relegated duo as part of five-man transfer overhaul

Arsenal have been told to try and land the signatures of both James Maddison and James Ward-Prowse this summer by former Gunner Bacary Sagna.

Both Maddison and Ward-Prowse will be playing Championship football next season if they choose to remain at their current clubs, Leicester and Southampton respectively. However, the duo are attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs and are expected to ply their trade in the top-flight next term.

If it was up to Sagna, both would be donning the red and white of Arsenal at the Emirates. The Frenchman has admitted he feels his old side need to be incredibly active in the transfer window this summer if they are to try and topple champions Manchester City next season.

Speaking to Lord Ping, Sagna explained: "I think Arsenal need to add quality in every department. These players need support and Arsenal need to add competition across the squad in order to compete across four fronts next season. I think they need to add four or five players to the team this summer.

"James Maddison from Leicester. I also really like Ward-Prowse. He is a player that can change a game on his own. Every team needs a player that can change a game in a heartbeat."

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While Ward-Prowse has never been the subject of serious links to Arsenal, the Gunners have been touted with a move for Maddison in the recent past.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eyeing summer transfers and been issued advice on who to sign by Bacary Sagna (Getty Images)

During the summer of 2021, there were a plethora of reports linking Maddison with a move to the Emirates before Mikel Arteta eventually opted to sign Martin Odegaard on a permanent basis and make the Norwegian captain of the club the following season.

Given the recent reports all but confirming Emile Smith Rowe will also remain at the club beyond this summer despite an underwhelming season, the likelihood of Arsenal signing one of Maddison or Ward-Prowse, let alone both, is slim, especially factoring in the likely arrival of Declan Rice.

It is not just in the middle of the park where Sagna feels Arsenal could strengthen though.

He went on to add: "Defensively, I think Arsenal need another really top centre back and an equally top right back."

The Gunners' defensive form declined drastically following the World Cup and by the time William Saliba was ruled out with a back injury Arsenal were conceding goals left, right and centre.

If his midfield dreams are far-fetched, Sagna may be on to something with his defensive demands as Arsenal aim to go one better next season.

Josh O'Brien