Mikel Arteta green-lights Arsenal deal for ex-Barcelona star Oscar Mingueza

Arsenal‘s recruitment plans this summer are stretching across multiple areas of the squad as Mikel Arteta looks to make another serious push for major honours next season.

Strengthening the midfield remains one of the club’s biggest objectives.

The Gunners have spent recent months assessing a number of options capable of adding quality, energy and depth in the centre of the park.

One player who continues to feature prominently is Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The teenager, who starred for Morocco against Brazil at the World Cup, is regarded as one of the most exciting young midfielders in European football and Arsenal’s interest has shown no signs of fading.

Reports have suggested that senior figures at the club see him as a player capable of becoming a key part of the project for years to come.

Bouaddi is also a player who Andrea Berta is reportedly ‘determined‘ to sign after years of Arsenal scouting, even prior to the Italian’s arrival.

Competition for his signature remains fierce, with PSG viewed as their main competitors, but Arsenal continue to work hard behind the scenes as they attempt to position themselves strongly in the race.

The club are also eager to strengthen out wide.

Morgan Rogers remains one of the standout names under consideration as Arsenal search for additional attacking firepower.

The Aston Villa star enjoyed another hugely impressive campaign, bagging 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for Unai Emery’s Europa League winners, and has attracted admiration from several top clubs.

His ability to operate across multiple forward positions makes him particularly attractive, with Chelsea also believed to be very keen on Rogers as they look to back Xabi Alonso.

Whether a deal proves financially possible remains another matter entirely.

Nevertheless, Arsenal’s interest continues to be widely reported.

While attention has largely focused on midfielders and attackers, the Gunners are also monitoring opportunities in defence, and that has led to an intriguing development involving a player who will soon be a free agent.

Arteta green-lights free Arsenal deal for ex-Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza

According to AS journalist Abraham Martinez, Arsenal are among the clubs showing strong interest in Oscar Mingueza.

The former Barcelona defender is set to leave Celta Vigo when his deal expires at the end of June, and has emerged as an attractive option for several Premier League sides.

The report suggests Arteta is personally pushing for the move as he green-lights an Arsenal deal for Mingueza.

That detail is particularly noteworthy given the Arsenal manager’s influence on recruitment decisions.

When Arteta strongly backs a player, it usually indicates a belief that he fits both the tactical system and long-term vision of the club.

Mingueza certainly offers qualities that could appeal.

The 27-year-old is comfortable in several defensive positions and can operate as both a right-back and a centre-back.

Arteta regularly asks his defenders to perform multiple roles depending on the opposition and tactical setup, so a player capable of adapting across the back line would be very useful.

Mingueza also arrives with experience at a high level.

Having progressed through Barcelona’s La Masia academy before establishing himself in La Liga, he understands the demands that come with playing for ambitious clubs.

The fact he would come in without a transfer fee only increases his appeal.

Newcastle are also believed to be serious contenders for his signature.

The Magpies continue searching for defensive reinforcements and view the Spaniard as a player who could strengthen their squad.

That means Arsenal may need to move quickly if they want to secure an agreement.