Romano picks out Arsenal as potential surprise packages this summer

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Fabrizio Romano has picked out Arsenal when asked on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel which are the sides to look out for for potential surprises in the transfer window this summer – as long as the Gunners qualify for the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s men, on paper, remain in pole position to qualify for the Champions League next year. They sit fifth after losing on Monday. But they still have a game in hand over Tottenham. And of course, there is still a North London derby to be contested this season.

Arsenal fans will hope that the side is now driven by the need to be absolutely perfect in the final weeks of the season. It really does appear that only a flawless run will get a side across the line in the race.

And obviously, qualifying for the Champions League will open several doors in the summer transfer window. Arsenal are certainly building something. But there are still areas of the squad which require further reinforcements.

‘It will be time’

Romano was asked about whether he had any dark horses or clubs who may surprise everyone when the window opens. And when he came to the Premier League, he suggested that Arsenal may be the ones to watch in the transfer window.

“In the Premier League, at the moment the most difficult club to track with transfers is Arsenal because they depend on Champions League football. And so, this is why they are waiting before jumping into concrete negotiations. But if they are in the Champions League, I’m really curious to see this transfer window for Arsenal,” he said on Ferdinand’s YouTube channel.

“Because last year, they needed to rebuild something. But this summer, if they will get Champions League football, it will be time for the next step, to sign important players ready to make the difference in attacking position and even a new midfielder. This is why I say Arsenal.”

Reaching top-four now looks even more crucial for Arsenal judging by Romano claim

Obviously, finishing in the top-four is always seen as a big deal. But previously, it had seemed that Arsenal could still afford to finish slightly lower.

It has been a remarkable fightback from the start to the campaign. And they have an incredibly young squad with such a high ceiling. Their time will likely come again.

However, having got so close, it would clearly be a massive blow to miss out, particularly as it may be Tottenham who beat them to the line.

The longer Antonio Conte and Harry Kane remain with Spurs, the more likely it is that they will join the heavyweights once again.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will not want to run the risk of losing any of their star men. And, as Romano suggests, a top-four finish this year gives them so many options in the market.