Maddison, Locatelli, Phillips - 5 players Arsenal should look to sign

Gunners looking to recover from worst season in decades

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  James Maddison - Leicester City's England schemer can count himself unlucky to have missed out on selection for Euro 2020, such was his form last season. Maddison, 24, is both creator and finisher and cherishes space in which to operate. One stumbling block for the Gunners will be the £60 million price tag, with finances dented by missing out on Champions League and Europa League footballer.

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  Manuel Locatelli - was one of the star finds for Euro 2020 winners Italy, scoring twice in the 3-0 win over Switzerland in the group phase. Sassuolo are holding out for £35 million for the midfielder, 23, who played in five out of the seven games as Italy went all the way to clinch the title with a shoot-out victory over England in the final. Arsenal face competition from Juventus, who have offered €30m but as a loan for the 2021/22 season and and obligation to buy next summer.

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  Martin Odegaard - was voted Arsenal's Player of the Month in March following some stellar performances most notable in the North London derby win over Tottenham. The problem was those performances were too infrequent during a six-month loan from Real Madrid. The Norwegian, 22, has returned to his parent club but it remains to be seen whether he features in Carlo Ancelotti's plans. Another loan move could suit all parties.

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  Tyler Adams - the 22-year-old American can operate at both right-back and in midfield - two areas Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta must look to strengthen. Adams, 22, is a USA international who has gone from strength to strength since moving to RB Leipzig in 2019. The Bundesliga side are reluctant to sell, but if Adams' historical tweets are anything to go by a transfer to the Emirates Stadium would certainly appeal.

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  Kalvin Phillips - was one of England's best performers at the European Championship. Showed he is more than just a destroyer with some dynamic running and invention further up the field. The Leeds United midfielder helped inspire his boyhood club to a ninth-place finish in the Premier League last season, so it will take an intriguing offer to tempt him away from Elland Road.

Arsenal head into the 2021/22 season off the back of their worst season in decades.

An eighth-placed finish and no trophies represents a step backwards in Mikel Arteta's plans, and the Spaniard heads into the new campaign amid growing discontent from the fans.

The Gunners' have been linked with several players to bolster their squad, the majority of them midfielders.

Chief among them is Leicester City's James Maddison.

According to reports, Arsenal first made contact after Maddison was omitted from England's Euro 2020 squad, and have been in discussion with the Foxes to bring the 24-year-old to North London.

One huge stumbling block is likely to be the price tag, with Leicester reportedly holding out for a fee of £60 million, a figure likely to be beyond Arsenal's reach.

Martin Odegaard has returned to Real Madrid following a loan spell and it remains to be seen whether he features in Carlo Ancelotti's plans. If not, a return to the Emirates, on another loan, could suit all parties.

Above is a photo gallery of five potential Arsenal targets.