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#3 Manuel Locatelli, Sassuolo
Newly crowned Euro 2020 winner Manuel Locatelli represents the perfect mix of discipline and creativity for Arsenal in the holding midfield position. The 23-year-old Sassuolo player has often showcased an astute reading of the range and passing range that would make him the heartbeat of the Arsenal midfield.
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His could potentially complement the industry and tenacity offered by the likes of Thomas Partey. His positioning and tactical intelligence would be extremely attractive to Mikel Arteta. Arsenal have preferred to deploy a rigid set-up against bigger clubs and in fixtures away from home, where every touch of the ball counts.
After his performances in an Italy shirt and the recently concluded Serie A season, Locatelli is reportedly on the radar of big clubs such as Juventus and Liverpool.
#2 Renato Sanches, Lille
The 2016 Golden Boy winner has seen his star fall with failed moves to Bayern Munich and a loan spell at Swansea City. Injuries and reduced playing time led many to question if Sanches would ever fulfill the immense potential he showed as a winner at Euro 2016.
After a title-winning campaign with Lille and a resurgent display with Portugal at Euro 2020, Sanches has reignited the hype and lofty expectations. The midfielder is once again drawing comparisons to the likes of midfield greats such as Edgar Davids.
A well-rounded and energetic box-to-box midfielder, Sanches is the quintessential No.8 for Arteta's style of football. Skilled at quick transitions and ball retention, a number of clubs have put him back on their radar. Arsenal will have to step up negotiations to secure Sanches' sought-after services.
#1 Houssem Aouar, Lyon
Over the last two seasons, Houssem Aouar has established himself as one of Europe's finest goalscoring midfielders with Lyon. The French star is blessed with the sublime technical ability that would qualify him for the "Arsenal way".
A master of half-spaces, Aouar can add thrust to what has at times been a flat and stagnant Arsenal midfield, struggling to break down organized opponents.
The dribbling and link-up play he would offer, along with the sheer return of assists and goals, would make him a formidable signing.
