Arsenal transfer targets: Four out-of-contract players Mikel Arteta could sign for free this summer

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Tom Doyle4 May 2020

Mikel Arteta has been brought in with a long-term view to rebuilding Arsenal, but it appears as though the coach will have to do so on a strict budget,

The Gunners' head of football, Raul Sanllehi, recently suggested that transfers will not be a priority for the club this summer due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Arsenal were quick to cut spending with the season suspended, agreeing wage-cuts with the majority of their squad – 12.5 percent for 12 months – while their 14 executives have taken a 30 percent salary reduction for the next year.

Financial losses are projected should Arsenal have to complete the rest of the Premier League season behind closed doors, while the prospect of paying big transfer fees for the likes of Thomas Partey appear slim at best given the current situation.

But while players with significant price tags may be out of reach, there are some interesting prospects who will be out of contract elsewhere this summer - and that means Arsenal could pick up a few potential bargains.

Here are four players for the Gunners to consider...

REUTERS

The Scotland international's contract with Bournemouth runs out this summer, and at 26, Fraser is much younger than the typical Premier League player you'd look to pick up on a free transfer.

Fraser has been linked with Arsenal over multiple windows now, but a move never materialised. His timing may be a little flawed in that the coronavirus shutdown will impact his chances of picking up a top-dollar contract offer, but plenty of clubs would view Fraser as a valuable addition - particularly with transfer budgets being slashed across the board.

The 2019/20 season has not been a stellar one for Fraser with a goal and four assists to his name, but given his age, potential, proven Premier League ability and the fact that he will not cost the earth in terms of wages, the Scot looks a wise addition as Arsenal contemplate a possible midfield reshuffle this summer.

Fraser is most comfortable on the left flank, but can also play out on the right - and that versatility would make him, at the very least, a valuable bench option for Arteta.

AFP via Getty Images

Kieran Tierney was signed to become Arsenal's mainstay at left-back for the next decade, but injury issues have hampered his first season at the Emirates.

There is nothing to suggest he is injury-prone, but Arteta could do with having a reliable, experienced alternative to take the pressure off Tierney's young shoulders.

Sead Kolasinac's future at the club looks uncertain, and 'The Hulk' has already said he will leave Arsenal if they do not consider him to be part of their plans going forward.

PSG full-back Kurzawa has been on Arsenal's radar for a while now, and at 27, he is another player with a good few years of top-level football left in him.

The France international has won four Ligue 1 titles since moving to Paris in 2015, but could be on the move with game-time limited behind Juan Bernat.

Kurzawa would offer Arteta's squad title-winning experience, and also potentially give the club a boost in contract negotiations with Bukayo Saka.

Saka's deal runs out in summer 2021, and while he has shone in an unfamiliar left-back role, the 18-year-old has made no secret of the fact he does not see his future in that position. Were Tierney and Kurzawa fit and competing for the left-back role, that would allow Arteta to offer Saka a more attractive prospect of career progression in an attacking role with the Gunners.

Lalla vying for a start against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side next weekend.
Action Images via Reuters

Leaving a club who recently won the Champions League and look set to lift the Premier League title for a side who are struggling to qualify for the Europa League may, on the face of it, seem a non-starter.

However, Lallana has struggled to hold down a regular place in Jurgen Klopp's all-conquering Liverpool side, with a combination of injuries and talented team-mates leaving Lallana on the sidelines for a while now.

Lallana is widely expected to leave Anfield this summer, and at 31, this will likely be his last major move. Despite his injury issues, Lallana will be of interest to plenty of clubs.

Leicester City are said to be planning a contract offer, while Lallana is the sort of high-energy, technical player who would appeal to Jose Mourinho- especially with Tottenham set to be restricted to free signings this summer.

Lallana has plenty of ability on the ball, and would slot well into Arteta's high-tempo, passing and pressing style of football. If he can stay fit - and that's a big if - Lallana could quickly prove himself to be a valuable top-flight player again.

The question is, whether Arsenal have the sort of funds available to take a calculated risk with a contract offer that could rival Leicester.

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The situation for the Brazilian and Chelsea is clearer than it seems. Willian wants a three-year deal; Chelsea are only offering a two-year contract.

Willian is happy in London, so it appears as though he'll be staying in the capital - even if it's not with Chelsea. That narrows the options to either Arsenal or Tottenham.

Spurs looks the natural fit given Willian's strong relationship with Mourinho, but no deals are a sure thing yet for Arsenal's neighbours. While the odds are on Spurs signing Willian, Arsenal are, at the very least, in the running if they make the 31-year-old an offer.

The fact that David Luiz swapped Stamford Bridge for the Emirates last summer also counts in Arsenal's favour, while the presence of Gabriel Martinelli could tempt Willian into joining a growing Brazilian contingent at London Colney - particularly if Copa Libertadores winner Pablo Mari also makes his loan move permanent.

There is little that needs to be said in regards to Willian's ability: he has won nearly everything at Chelsea, keeps himself in excellent shape, is a fine role model for younger players, and offers versatility on the flanks - along with a genuine threat from set-pieces.

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