Arsenal make contact with Champions League midfielder during Sporting game and he'll be a game-changer

Arsenal have reportedly ‘made contact’ with Real Madrid over a move for a highly rated midfielder, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad this summer.

Arteta’s side currently sit nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, with just seven matches to play, while also competing in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they face Sporting CP of Portugal.

However, of late, things have not gone as planned, with the Gunners losing the Carabao Cup final to City in March before being knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Southampton at the quarter-final stage last Saturday (4 April).

Despite being heavy favourites to win the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, Arteta and Arsenal’s football department are seemingly planning for next season.

As reported by TeamTalk, the north London club have ‘initiated contact’ over a summer move for Real Madrid and France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, with Liverpool also said to be keen on the 23-year-old.

The Frenchman, who arrived at Real from Rennes in 2021, has since helped the side win two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies.

Eduardo Camavinga is attracting interest from Arsenal (Credit:Getty)

He is admired by a number of clubs across Europe, with Real seeking a fee of around £69.8m for the player, who is contracted to the club until 2029.

Since Álvaro Arbeloa succeeded Xabi Alonso as Real boss, Camavinga has been in and out of the starting XI for several reasons, including an ankle injury, as well as competition for places with Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni among those fighting for a spot in Los Blancos’ starting XI.

Arteta is said to be a huge fan of the player’s ability to fill midfield roles, as well as play as a full-back when required.

It remains unclear whether the player, who was dubbed “extraordinary” by Carlo Ancelotti, would be willing to move to the Premier League.

However, Sky journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims that: “The French midfielder has no intention of leaving Real Madrid. Quite the opposite. Internally, he reiterates that the Madrid club represents his career dream, and that he is ready to do whatever it takes to establish himself permanently and regain the trust of the management. A strong stance, which contrasts sharply with the club’s strategy.”

He added: “Camavinga’s agency, CAA Stellar, has already made contact with several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal — two teams looking to strengthen their midfield. The Frenchman’s versatility, capable of playing both as a defensive midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder, is particularly appealing in England.

“Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is also monitoring the situation closely, ready to enter the race if a concrete opportunity arises.”