Arsenal transfer news: Samuel Umtiti and David Alaba top Unai Emery’s summer shortlist of five targets
The Gunners manager has prioritised central defence as an area in need of improvement
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Your support makes all the difference.David Alaba and Samuel Umtiti are two main names on Arsenal's list of summer transfer targets.
The club want to bring in up to five signings in the close-season to set up Unai Emery for a title challenge, and the feeling is deals can be done for both, who would represent significant coups.
Although Alaba and Umtiti have been influential starters for the respective clubs - Bayern Munich and Barcelona - over the last few seasons, changed circumstances would mean both are at least willing to look at the possibility of deals.
Bayern are in the process of a huge overhaul of their squad for next season, with an expected outlay of around €300m, but that will necessitate a clear-out of some long-term fixtures.
Alaba would not be close to the top of the list for potential exits, but there is a sense the German club would be open to talks. The Austrian himself recently talked up his boyhood support for Arsenal. They could however face competition from Barcelona.
The Catalans themselves are looking to drastically reduce their wage bill, while bringing in Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax. Umtiti has meanwhile found himself forced out of the side by the form of Clement Lenglet. Emery sees centre-half as a priority area to improve.
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