Arsenal’s priorities for the summer transfer window are clear.
As previously revealed, Mikel Arteta and Edu are targeting up to five new signings as they look to overhaul a squad that has failed to qualify for any European competition next season.
One area in which the Gunners pair are looking to strengthen is through the spine of the team with the club hopeful of wrapping up deals for Ben White and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Furthermore, a creative midfielder is high on the list and after missing out on a deal for Emiliano Buendia, Arsenal are interested in signing Leicester City’s James Maddison.
Andre Onana is also a target with Bernd Leno’s future unclear, whilst there’s talk of a new striker arriving at the Emirates Stadium should one of Alexandre Lacazette or Eddie Nketiah leave.
In addition, a replacement for Hector Bellerin could also be required if the Spaniard departs, although Arteta does have Cedric and Calum Chambers to call upon.
One area in which the Gunners pair are looking to strengthen is through the spine of the team with the club hopeful of wrapping up deals for Ben White and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Furthermore, a creative midfielder is high on the list and after missing out on a deal for Emiliano Buendia, Arsenal are interested in signing Leicester City’s James Maddison.
Thus allowing himself and Edu to focus on signing a full-back on the opposite flank.
Prior to the January transfer window closing, Arteta confirmed a new left-back to provide back-up for Kieran Tierney was a priority after letting Sead Kolasinac return to Schalke on loan for the remainder of the season.
But despite links to the likes of Ryan Bertrand and Patrick van Aanholt, no new left-back was signed and the Gunners are keen to avoid a repeat of a situation that saw Granit Xhaka playing out of position when Tierney missed several key games through injury last season.
And three decisions have been made with regards to the profile of left-back Arteta and Edu want to sign this summer.
And three decisions have been made with regards to the profile of left-back Arteta and Edu want to sign this summer.
Despite that stance, 30-year-old van Aanholt could still be an option for later in the window as he will leave Crystal Palace on a free next week.
With that said, finalising a deal for a left-back could be one of Arsenal’s final moves of the summer window.
This is because Arteta and Edu are said to be prioritising other areas of the squad first, so it might be that the left-back signing will be the one to complete the Spaniard’s dream squad after getting other deals over the line.