The summer transfer window is on the horizon and for plenty of clubs it'll be a chance to make some changes for the upcoming season. Arsenal will be hopeful they can close the gap on rivals Manchester City after their campaign saw them sustain a title push, but fall just short of lifting the trophy.
The following campaign provides new challenges as other teams are likely to strengthen, while the Gunners also have the return of the Champions League to consider. For Mikel Arteta, the coming weeks offer a chance of reflection, while understanding where signings will have to be made.
"I am really interested in understanding, reflecting and analysing what we have in the house and what resources we have already," the Spaniard said after the final game of the season. "How we can improve and how we can maximise and take players to a different level, the ones we haven't got everything from. Then the bonus will be to make those decisions and improve the team, but as well we don't want to lose that cohesion that exists around the team and that understanding. Hopefully we make the right decisions."
READ MORE: Arsenal on red alert as Bayern Munich make Serge Gnabry transfer decision amid return links
One of the players Arsenal could lose this summer is Kieran Tierney as the defender looks set to leave in search of consistent playing time. Plenty of replacements have been linked, including a potential move for Manchester City star Joao Cancelo, who is reported to be free to leave the club.
Arsenal have had plenty of success with signings from City, landing both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus from them last summer. The pair have helped exponentially improve the side since their arrival and there will be hopes that Cancelo could recreate that impact.
The Portuguese international spent the second half of the season on loan with Bayern Munich after falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola. The Bavarian side haven't triggered his £60million clause in the deal though, meaning that the race is still open over his future.
While the Gunners are interested in the full-back, German newspaper Abendzeitung claim that Cancelo is not interested in joining the club or staying at City. Instead, he is more focused on moving to another league, giving an answer to whether he would join the north London outfit.
It remains to be seen whether that opinion may change once the transfer window is open and the options are available, but it means Arsenal may have to look elsewhere to reinforce their defence.
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta's four dream Arsenal transfers revealed as Edu plots £203m summer swoop
Arsenal questioned on striker target interest when Folarin Balogun is ‘very similar’ anyway
The Champions League rule changes to affect Arsenal next season as UEFA announces new format
Karim Benzema's Real Madrid exit could impact Arsenal transfer plans amid Vinicius Jr update
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Caicedo move, Saliba contract blow, Rice update, Abraham chance
