Arsenal can sign player Cristiano Ronaldo wanted at Real Madrid on free transfer

Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro should be among Arsenal’s possible transfer targets this summer with Granit Xhaka and Kieran Tierney seemingly among those heading for the exit door. The 29-year-old Portugal international is expected to leave the Bundesliga runners-up after seven seasons in Germany, where he has become one of the division’s finest players.

Guerreiro is yet to have agreed a new contract with Dortmund and now he could be set to embark on a new challenge barring a late swing of events.

There has been speculation that Dortmund are prepared to hand him an additional two-year contract but at this moment in time, the versatile left-back has one foot out of the door.

Arsenal should be looking at the Dortmund man as somebody that could improve the depth within their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Much like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gurreiro can play both at left-back and in midfield which could prove to be priceless versatility for Mikel Arteta.

Not only that but he is also vastly experienced at Champions League level having featured in the competition in each of the past seven seasons.

It’s the kind of signing that just makes perfect sense, particularly given there is no transfer fee involved – just wages.

Back in 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo was asked which player he would like Real Madrid to sign and his answer made for interesting reading.

“Perhaps my team-mate in Portugal, Raphael Guerreiro,” said the Los Blancos superstar, which must be recognised as a compliment within itself.

While Ronaldo was hardly issuing a genuine transfer demand, it was an indication of how highly rated Guerreiro truly is amongst his peers.

Tierney now looks highly likely to depart Arsenal this summer with Newcastle and Aston Villa among those keen.

The Scotsman is looking to play regular football after losing his place in the side this season and Guerreiro would be the perfect replacement.

Zinchenko has also suffered a fair share of injuries this season and Arsenal need a quality deputy in reserve ready to step up to the plate.

With Xhaka also heading for the exit door, Arsenal are going to need some cover and competition in midfield.

Quality is expected to arrive in the form of Declan Rice and there could be further recruits in the middle of the park – something that is likely to influence Xhaka’s future.

Yet at the same time, Arsenal do need some extra quality around the squad as some of their fringe players just haven’t been up to scratch this season – that is the brutal truth.

Arteta is still refusing to confirm that Xhaka is heading for Bayer Leverkusen and fans are still holding onto some form of hope that he could yet stay put.