Arsenal can sign £60m Mikel Arteta transfer target for free after emotional decision confirmed

Arsenal could complete a four-year Mikel Arteta transfer mission without spending a penny as a Premier League proven striker has just confirmed a big decision.

Having sanctioned four defensive transfers, the Gunners are now expected to strengthen their frontline with two new signings.

In addition to a deal for Martin Zubimendi, which has been active since February, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera are on track to arrive at Emirates Stadium.

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An agreement on the latter has not yet been reached but the Gunners are pushing in talks with Valencia and are expected to submit a new offer after their opening proposal was turned down.

Once that is resolved, it seems almost guaranteed that the club's focus will move onto the attacking areas.

Signing a wide forward is one aim and a natural No.9 joining is another with Hugo Ekitike, Rodrygo, Rafael Leao, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko just a few names linked.

Ollie Watkins and Dusan Vlahovic have been other names mooted recently while another target, from over three years ago, could also be back on the table. When Arsenal were looking to replace Alexandre Lacazette, Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin was an option.

At the time he was in sensational goal-scoring form at Goodison Park which made it hardly surprising the Gunners were quoted £60 million to sign him. Ultimately, he remained in Merseyside and the following three seasons have been quite challenging.

Mostly due to injuries, he has struggled for consistent minutes and thus goals with his time representing Everton now up.

"After nine remarkable years at this club, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision - together with my family - to begin a new chapter in my career,"he wrote on Instagram confirming his decision.

"This isn’t something I chose lightly. Everton has been my home since I was 19 years old.

“It’s the place that saw potential in me, challenged me to grow, and shaped me both as a footballer and as a man. I want to express my gratitude to all the managers and coaches I’ve worked with over the years, and to my teammates who have become lifelong friends.”

The 28-year-old is now a free agent and having proven, if he can stay fit, that he is good enough to be a Premier League striker he could become an option for Arsenal. It would undoubtedly have to be in addition to one of Sesko or Gyokeres but there is definitely a player in there that Arteta can unearth.

An exit for Gabriel Jesus looks likely over the coming trading periods and thus a short-term contract can be offered with the risks being minimal. This would be a last-minute deal however, with a double marquee addition in the final third more important.