Arsenal are preparing for a huge summer transfer window that could see them close the gap further to their rivals Manchester City. The Gunners worked incredibly hard over the past two markets that has seen them add yet more quality to the squad, allowing them to mount a title challenge.
At this stage, it appears as though City are favourites to secure yet another Premier League trophy, but the progress for Arsenal will have been more than encouraging. With a young side at his disposal, Mikel Arteta will likely look for further reinforcements to cement their place at the top, as well as becoming competitive in the Champions League.
Sporting director Edu Gaspar revealed that work is already being done to make some more additions, telling football.london last month: "It’s already started because you know what’s happening in the market everybody is doing stuff. You have to plan with people as well just to be prepared so when you go again in the summer you are very prepared."
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It remains to be seen who will join the squad, though former striker Alan Smith has highlighted the three positions the Gunners need to strengthen.
He told Sky Sports: "I think you’re probably looking through the heart of the team, through the centre. We’ve obviously seen how they’ve suffered without Wiliam Saliba and the drop-off was quite drastic really, no manager would want to see that, so they miss the Frenchman.
"Thomas Partey has been a bit in and out this season, when Xhaka didn’t play they certainly missed him. There’s been a lot of attention on Arsenal’s central midfield, possibly Declan Rice coming. That’s going to be a saga in the summer. Where’s the West Ham midfielder going to end up, it looks like he’s going to leave the Hammers”
There could be plenty of options to choose from in each area, with Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo the main options linked for the deeper midfield role. In the more advanced midfield positions, Chelsea star Mason Mount is rumoured with a switch across London as his future is in doubt.
At centre-back, there's already an option for the future in January signing Jakub Kiwior, though he is likely to play as an understudy to Gabriel on the left. Behind William Saliba, there are few options, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Rob Holding the two replacements, with few names linked for the role.
At striker, the Gunners already have a number of choices, with Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah all playing there, while Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli are also options alongside a returning Folarin Balogun. There's also a few other names, such as Lille forward Jonathan David and Benfica's Goncalo Ramos, that have been linked.
It remains to be seen which players the Gunners will opt to sign in the upcoming summer transfer window but it could be key in closing the gap to the top of the league.
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