Are Mikel Arteta and Arsenal planning a Spanish raid this summer?

Marking their return from the international break over the weekend with a 4-1 romp at home against Leeds, Arsenal are on course to make real Premier League history in 2023.

While the Gunners might have simply had their sights set on securing a Champions League return this season, Mikel Arteta’s young squad hold a five-point buffer over defending champions Manchester City.

Now firmly sat in pole position to lift a first Premier League crown since way back in 2004, Arteta’s recruitment policy over the past 12 months has played a crucial role in Arsenal’s success this season.

With the likes of Alexander Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus making an immediate impact since arriving from the Etihad last summer, it is no secret that the Gunners are already planning behind the scenes ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Although Arsenal might have been continuously linked with West Ham skipper and England international Declan Rice, the Premier League leaders could be eying up a Spanish raid when the window reopens.

Expected to be heavily backed by the Emirates hierarchy, we have taken a look at a few La Liga superstars who have been linked with a move to north London this summer.

Aurelien Tchouameni

Although Aurelien Tchouameni might have only arrived in the Spanish capital last summer following a £68.3million move from Monaco, it is fair to say that the 23-year-old has struggled to adjust to life at the Bernabeu.

Although the French international might have once again played a key role for Les Blues during their qualifying campaign last month, Tchouameni is yet to cement his spot as a regular part of Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team plans.

With Los Blancos enduring a major domestic struggle this season as they have all but relinquished their domestic crown, the 23-cap international has reportedly grown more frustrated by a lack of minutes on either side of the World Cup’s winter break.

While Tchouameni might have only clinched his blockbuster move to Madrid less than 12 months ago, there is growing speculation that the ex-Monaco starlet could already be on his way out of the Bernabeu this summer.

Although the French midfielder might have only signed a six-year deal last year, Catalonia-Based outlet El Nacional reported over the weekend that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Tchouameni’s situation and are weighing up what would be a shock swoop.

Raphinha

Although Raphinha might have missed Barcelona’s 4-0 romp away at Elche on Saturday night after being forced to serve a one-match suspension, the former Leeds star was enjoying his brightest Nou Camp flurry prior to the international break.

However, despite bagging four strikes in his previous eight domestic appearances, the 26-year-old has come under some scrutiny since arriving in Catalonia last summer.

Securing what was a dramatic move to the runaway Spanish leaders last summer for a fee of £55million, Raphinha has somewhat struggled to find much stability during his maiden La Liga campaign.

Although Xavi might have made it clear that the Brazilian international has a key role to play over the next couple of months, it is no secret that Barca are dealing with a string of issues behind the scenes at the Nou Camp.

With Arsenal heavily linked with a move for the ex-Leeds forward during the January transfer window, Arteta remains a huge admirer and Football Insider reported on Saturday that the Gunners are keen on coming back to the table this summer.

Eric Garcia

While Raphinha might be one of the names on Arteta’s wishlist this summer, he is not the only Barcelona star who could be heading to north London ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Although Arsenal might have gained plenty of praise for their defensive resolve this season, the Gunners were left devastated last week as it was announced that William Saliba had sustained a back injury and faces a spell on the sidelines.

With growing speculation that the likes of Rob Holding could be on his way out of the Emirates at the end of the season, it appears that Arteta is looking to add some defensive reinforcements when the window reopens this summer.

While Eric Garcia might have been handed a rare start in Barca’s 4-0 victory on Saturday night, the one-time Manchester City starlet has failed to cement his spot as a regular first-team star at the Nou Camp since arriving two years ago.

With the Spanish heavyweights reportedly keen on the idea of getting Garcia off their wage bill this summer, Mundo Deportivo suggested over the weekend that Arsenal are smelling the chance to clinch a cut-price deal for the 22-year-old.