Arsenal has identified a top summer target to join them this summer as the transfer window opens up. The team feels there are more opportunities to get a defensive midfielder than a central midfielder.

Although Kai Havertz has been shifted to the striker position, Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard are now staples in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup, and competition for the third midfield position remains.

Given that players like Emile Smith Rowe and Jorginho played on the left side of midfield last season, the Gunners may decide to seek within. But with players like Amadou Onana, Mikel Merino, and Joshua Kimmich all rumoured to be joining North London this summer, it seems like Edu and his group are keen to add an outsider to the midfield.

Declan Rice, though, has disclosed that Conor Gallagher, his England teammate, is the midfield player he would “love” to have on his squad.

Chelsea is reportedly willing to give off its academy graduate and acting captain for at least €50 million. The 24-year-old’s desire to establish himself as a legend at The Blues, however, is a barrier to a possible agreement being reached for him.

The club record signing for Arsenal said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I have played with him in the academy team and I have played against him when he was at Crystal Palace and Chelsea.”

“Having him on my team is a player I would adore having.” He puts up a tonne of effort. You both feel incredibly safe and comfortable there. This year, he has taken a lot of people by surprise with his ball skills. How he enters the box and scores goals, how he breaks forward with it.

Conor Gallagher and Declan Rice could play together in the midfield in England’s last group stage encounter against Slovenia. Given that The Three Lions have already guaranteed a spot in the knockout stages and that Trent Alexander-Arnold has recently come under fire for his ability to play in the midfield, the Chelsea player has an opportunity to convince Arteta to invite him to North London this summer.