With such an array of talent on show at EURO 2016, it will be no surprise to hear a cacophony of rumours regarding Premier League teams carefully watching sought after players in France this summer.
After numerous seasons of disappointment, there will be no manager under more pressure to improve his squad than Arsene Wenger, who has become worryingly unpopular among many Arsenal fans.
With just a few days to go before the start of the European Championship, Wenger may be best to take a look amongst the talent in Group A, whose members will be playing the first two games of the tournament this weekend.
We take a look at Five Group A stars who Arsenal should target this summer…
Samuel Umtiti – France
Having been at his club since the age of eight, Samuel Umtiti has become a true legend at Lyon and he is only 22.
The versatile defender has been attracting the interest of numerous clubs in Europe over the last few months, including Barcelona.
However, with Arsenal desperately needing to strengthen defensively, Umtiti would be the perfect addition for Wenger, who could also develop the young star into a European defensive elite.
N’Golo Kante – France
An incredible season at Leicester for N’Golo Kante was topped off with inclusion in the French squad for EURO 2016.
The 25-year-old could be a key factor in how France progress through the tournament this summer and would also be a perfect addition to an Arsenal midfield stuffed with talent, but lacking the defensive capabilities that Kante majestically delivers.
Antoine Griezmann – France
Despite many knowing of the talent of Antoine Griezmann before the 2015/16 got underway, it is over the last 12 months where the 25-year-old has truly emerged as one of the very best attacking players in Europe.
Griezmann will be the hosts’ major threat during the tournament and will undoubtedly attract interest from a host of clubs.
Fitting into Arsenal would not be a problem for Griezmann, who would provide the perfect foil for compatriot Olivier Giroud.
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Ricardo Rodriguez – Switzerland
Possibly Switzerland’s most talented player at this years’ EUROs and undoubtedly one of the most underrated defenders in Europe, Ricardo Rodriguez is fast becoming hot property on the transfer market.
At just 23, Rodriguez has already played 125 times in the Bundesliga for Wolfsburg and 37 times for his country.
The former Swiss footballer of the year would have to fight for his place at left back should he join Arsenal, with Nacho Monreal and Kieron Gibbs already employed at the Emirates. However, if his talent continues to escalate, it would not be long before Rodriguez becomes a star man for Wenger.
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Breel Embolo – Switzerland
One of the hottest young talents in Europe, Breel Embolo has been linked with almost every elite club in Europe and was the subject of a €27m bid from Wolfsburg in January; an offer that was swiftly rejected by current club Basel.
The 19-year-old is the new darling of Swiss football and his explosive pace and technical ability would suit Embolo perfectly. Don’t expect any transfer to be concluded easily however, the young striker is in high demand and it could take an over-inflated bid to capture his signature.
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