Arsenal prepare summer move for Henrikh Mkhitaryan as Arsene Wenger considers midfield revamp

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has emerged as a summer target for Arsenal as Arsene Wenger looks to revamp his midfield and challenge for the title in the upcoming campaign. The Gunners are set to lose at least three players after the end of the summer, with Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky all likely to make their way out following the conclusion of their contracts.

The Guardian reports that Mkhitaryan's contract with Dortmund expires in 2017 and the club are trying their best to convince the midfielder to sign a new deal. However, the midfielder is in two minds over whether to extend his contract or consider a new challenge at the Emirates where he is likely to be handed a pay rise, given Arsenal's financial superiority and the new TV deal kicking in the Premier League next season.

The Armenian has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season and is capable of playing anywhere behind the striker, allowing Wenger to rotate with Mesut Ozil, who has had to bear the burden of Arsenal's creative department single-handedly this season. The Gunners have keenly watched the midfielder over the course of the last two seasons and were particularly impressed with his performance against the north London club in their Champions League pursuits.

Arsenal are tracking Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka and are prepared to pay a whopping £35m ($50m) to secure his services in the upcoming transfer window. Xhaka can play as a deep lying playmaker alongside Francis Coquelin or as a midfield destroyer alongside Santi Cazorla, offering Wenger some options in the centre of midfield.

The Gunners have an uphill task of narrowing the 11-point gap with leaders Leicester City, albeit having played a game less. Jack Wilshere is set to hand the manager a major boost by returning to training next week, but the Gunners are still heavily handicapped in midfield with a number of key players unavailable for the run-in.