Arsenal could eye five Olympic stars – like partner in crime for Rice (2024)

Mikel Arteta would have been smart to keep a keen eye on the Paris 2024 Olympics as Arsenal continue to bolster their squad.

With football at the Games now in the semi-final stages, the Spanish boss has had ample opportunity to scout the talent on display. The Gunners have already secured their first two summer signings. David Raya joined permanently from Brentford for a fee of £27million, while Riccardo Calafiori arrived from Bologna for £42m last week.

However, if Arsenal are to finally topple Manchester City, additional reinforcements will be needed. Now several young talents have made their mark in the French capital, we now take a look at some potential signings Arsenal could make.

Samu Omorodion

Arteta's hunt for a dedicated No.9 to spearhead his Arsenal attack is well documented. Gabriel Jesus, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, hasn't managed to cement the position as his own, while Kai Havertz isn't a natural centre-forward, reports the Express.

Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak have all been linked with a move to the Emirates, but a less costly option in the form of Atletico Madrid's Samu Omorodion, could solve that issue. He is currently representing Spain at the Games and was unsuccessfully targeted by Enzo Maresca's Blues in June.

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Atletico manager Diego Simeone may need some convincing as he recently saw Alvaro Morata move to AC Milan. While other potential signings could cost the Gunners more than £80m, Omorodion's release clause is a slightly more affordable £67.5m. It's also believed it could be negotiated further.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta is another forward who Arsenal could target before the summer transfer window closes. Under Oliver Glasner last season, Mateta and Palace won six of their last seven games and finished in the top half of the Premier League.

During that run, the Frenchman set a club record by scoring in seven consecutive home games, catching the eye of some of the league's biggest clubs. Palace will undoubtedly want to keep hold of their star player, who scored the winner against Argentina in the quarter-finals.

Given the problems Arteta has had up front, the idea of the 27-year-old moving to the Emirates may not be so far-fetched. The Eagles star outscored any Arsenal player in the league last season with 16 goals. While Palace would likely demand a hefty fee for the forward, he could be a more affordable option than Gyokeres, Isak and even Omorodion.

Joan Garcia

Joan Garcia played a pivotal role in Espanyol's promotion from the second tier of Spanish football last season. He caught the eye of clubs abroad, including Arsenal, who may look to his compatriot as a potential backup for David Raya.

The Gunners' interest is reportedly sparked by the potential exit of England international Aaron Ramsdale. After joining on an initial loan, Raya made a strong case for the starting spot last year, leaving Ramsdale discontented with a reserve role.

Should Ramsdale leave, a new backup goalkeeper will be needed. While England under-17 star Tommy Setford has been signed this window, Garcia could be a more experienced option that Arteta considers for bolstering his squad.

Garcia's commitment to the Games has delayed any deal, as he has expressed his desire to concentrate on securing a medal with the current semi-finalists in Paris. However, once the tournament concludes, Arteta's focus may shift back to the Spanish player.

Shunsuke Mito

Shunsuke Mito made waves at the Olympic Games with a standout brace in his team's 5-0 demolition of Paraguay - only to be knocked out by Spain in the quarter-finals. His distinctive style of play has even drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi in the past.

The Japanese winger earned such plaudits during his side's 5-2 win against Argentina in an U22 fixture last October, before signing with Sparta Rotterdam two months later. He left behind a league where he had just been awarded the Breakout Campaign Best Young Player prize.

Brighton, known for their successful scouting in the region thanks to their signing of Karou Mitoma, reportedly showed interest before the winger made his move to Europe. Mito's price tag could increase from his current £1m Transfermarkt valuation following the Games, but he would still be a bargain buy for the Gunners if they decide to take a punt.

Mitoma was bought by Brighton for just £2.7m in 2021 and has been valued at up to £35m over the past year. Mito, meanwhile, could potentially join fellow countryman Takehiro Tomiyasu at the Emirates and become Arteta's winger of the future.

Manu Kone

Manu Kone is another player who has reportedly popped up on Arsenal's radar. The French midfielder was also linked with Liverpool in 2023.

However, he has recently been identified as somebody Arsenal may be interested in. Many believe Kone could be a younger option to play alongside Declan Rice.

Thomas Partey, 31, and Jorginho, 32, are Arteta's midfield options when it comes to someone partnering the deep-lying Rice.

But Kone is only 23, and if he carries on impressing in Paris, he could tempt Arsenal to make an approach.