Arsenal are preparing for a busy summer as they aim to end the wait for major trophies under Mikel Arteta.
They have finished second three times in recent years, and the pressure is growing on Arteta to deliver silverware.
Arteta has done well since taking over in 2019. He has made Arsenal competitive again, winning the FA Cup in 2020 before challenging multiple times for the Premier League title, making Arsenal a regular fixture in the Champions League and guiding the team to the UCL semifinals.
The Gunners have begun their summer business early with a deal close to being finalised for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Sporting director Andrea Berta’s first major task is to secure new contracts for key players.
Arsenal want to tie down Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly to new contracts.
Jorginho is leaving the club, and Thomas Partey is expected to have fewer minutes next season, occupying the role the Italian has taken on this last season.
Another midfielder could join the squad to help provide depth and support. Arsenal are also looking to sell players to raise funds for signings.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior are both likely to leave the club this summer. Kieran Tierney is also expected to move on, and Arsenal want to sign another defender to cover for Gabriel and Saliba.
They made a move for Dean Huijsen, but he chose Real Madrid over a switch to north London.
Youngster Lewis-Skelly has done well at left-back but is a natural midfielder. Arteta could return him to his main position.
Attack and goalkeeper roles are a top priority
Arsenal also need a new goalkeeper to challenge David Raya, who will need some rest during the season.
Raya has won two Golden Gloves in a row but needs proper competition for the cup games and long stretches of fixtures.
Joan Garcia was a target, but interest from other top clubs means Arsenal might have to look elsewhere.
The club’s biggest concern is their attack, especially the centre-forward and left-wing positions. Kai Havertz has not been clinical enough in front of the goal.
Mikel Merino has filled in at times, but is not a long-term solution in attack.
Newcastle’s Alexander Isak was a top target, but Champions League football means the Magpies want to keep him.
Arsenal have turned their attention to Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Gyökeres is seen as the main option, and discussions are progressing.
On the left wing, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have struggled for form.
Rodrygo of Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams are both linked with the Gunners. However, Williams’ wage demands are a concern for the club.
Rafael Leao and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman are also on the shortlist.
Arsenal must act wisely in the market if they are to finally beat Manchester City and Liverpool to the title.
