Arsenal could solve two key problems with audacious bid for Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga

Arsenal should show ambition and plot a club-record bid for Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga this summer.

The Gunners are on course to conclude an exceptional season empty-handed. For much of the campaign, Mikel Arteta’s men look set to claim the club’s first Premier League title in 19 years, but a loss of nerve in April coincided with title rivals Manchester City hitting an imperious run of form.

It would now take an uncharacteristic City collapse at the ‘business end’ of the season for Arsenal to pip Pep Guardiola’s men to the title.

Naturally, the Gunners now have one eye on the summer, as they look to add sufficient depth and quality to their squad to challenge City at the Premier League summit next term.

A name frequently linked is West Ham’s Declan Rice - one of the most well-rounded midfielders in world football, but a player that could command an eye-watering transfer fee.

Indeed, it was reported on Monday that the Hammers would ask for a Jude Bellingham-esque £130million fee for the 24-year-old.

Given Rice may command such an immense chunk of Arsenal's transfer budget, it may suit the club to turn their attention elsewhere.

Arsenal should bid for Camavinga

Another midfielder Arsenal could focus their attention on is Camavinga.

Sure, Real may be unwilling to sell one of their most prized youngsters. And yes - the France international would also command a significant transfer fee.

But Bellingham’s expected Real arrival this summer, coupled with the club reportedly extending Luka Modric and Toni Kroos' contacts, could compromise Camavinga’s opportunities to play in his preferred midfield birth.

Moreover, Camavinga, who is four years Rice’s junior, would likely be a cheaper option than the England international, with Transfermarkt having valued the Los Blancos midfielder at £52million.

Of course, given his potential, the player would cost significantly more that, and probably more than the club-record £72million Arsenal paid for Nicolas Pépé back in 2019 - but less than Rice's quoted price.

Camavinga to cover two positions

Camavinga could act as a solution to two problem positions for Arteta. Firstly Arsenal are looking for a midfielder to slot in alongside Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey and there are few more composed and technically proficient players in Europe than Camavinga.

Furthermore, with Kieran Tierney set to leave at the end of the campaign, the Gunners will likely be in the market for another left back. As defensive understudies to Oleksandr Zinchenko go, Camavinga is one of the best options imaginable.

Against Manchester City on Tuesday the make-shift full-back had the most touches, won the most duels and created the most chances of any player on the pitch. Camavinga also assisted Vinicius Jr thunderbolt in the first half.

Is 'Arsenal should sign Camavinga' a hot take? Perhaps not. As Los Blancos legend Claude Makelele told Marca earlier this week, Camavinga is a “footballer with a great future”. Any side would want a player as gifted as the Frenchman.

However, given Arsenal reportedly explored the possibility of signing Camavinga on loan in January, perhaps this summer the club should show major ambition and look to sign the player permanently.