3 English players that Arsenal should target along with Gibson

Arsenal are likely to be extremely active in the summer transfer market to bolster their underperforming side, regardless of whether Arsene Wenger stays or not, and the Gunners could target homegrown players in their summer spree.

With the futures of Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs all up in the air, as their contract situation sits precariously, Arsenal could look to sign British players to improve their core within the squad.

Players from the British Isles usually command a higher transfer fee than those on the continent but the Gunners have a proud record of utilising British players- with the likes of Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell and David Seaman all being England regulars during their time at the club.

This summer, it’s been reported that Arsenal are eyeing Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson and we’ve identified three further English players that the Gunners should look to bring to North London at the end of the current campaign.

Jordan Pickford

The 23-year-old Sunderland goalkeeper is tipped by many to be England’s first choice goalkeeper in the coming years and he could secure an exit from the North East this summer, particularly if David Moyes’ side fail to avoid relegation.

Arsenal’s goalkeeping options could be left depleted this summer as David Ospina is reportedly eyeing an exit, whilst Petr Cech’s performances have hardly been convincing. On top of that, it’s unlikely Wojciech Szczesny will return to the Gunners set-up.

As such, a swoop for a young, talented goalkeeper like Pickford would be a very good decision from the club as he has the capability to be a regular starter, or fill Ospina’s role for a year or two before succeeding Petr Cech.

Luke Shaw

Turning 22 this summer, Luke Shaw has endured a difficult few years at Manchester United and his stock has declined vastly since the 2014 World Cup. Injury issues have played their part but it seems that Jose Mourinho hasn’t got the faith in the England man.

As such, his signature could become available in the summer market and Arsenal would be wise to enter the running, although they’d have to pay a high price. With Nacho Monreal in the twilight years of his career and there being question marks over Kieran Gibbs’ suitability, Shaw could be the ideal recruit.

With Shaw on the left and Hector Bellerin on the right, Arsenal’s wide defensive options could be sorted for the next decade and the attacking impact of the duo could be really beneficial.

Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge turns 28 this summer and will be approaching the prime years of his career. However, his position at Liverpool is under threat following a wealth of injury problems and a rise in competition for places at Anfield.

Should Sturridge’s signature become available, Arsenal should definitely consider a move as the England international boasts an impressive 45 goals in 83 appearances for the Reds. If the Gunners can solve his fitness issues, he would provide a huge boost.

Even if Sturridge’s injury problems were to continue, Sturridge would be a fine squad player and the Gunners could snap-up a bargain deal.