Arsenal's first team overhaul is almost complete as Mikel Arteta gradually shapes his new-look squad.
With no striker arriving at Emirates Stadium during the January transfer window, added emphasis has now been placed upon an already threadbare Arsenal midfield.
The Gunners have minimal options in the centre of the pitch and could be forced to include academy prospects in upcoming squads until the end of the current campaign.
While a move for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo couldn't be finalised in January, planning has already begun for the summer with Arsenal keen on strengthening in a number of positions.
football.london takes a look at the midfield, potential new signings and what could be in store for the Gunners in the 2022/23 season.
Thomas Partey
The future of Arsenal's midfield.
Has struggled with injuries since arriving from Atletico Madrid last season. Arteta wants to find a new partner to play alongside him from the next campaign.
Bukayo Saka
Arguably the Gunners' most important player, football.london recently revealed that Arsenal are preparing a new contract offer for their Starboy.
Martin Odegaard
Another midfielder who is seen as a long-term starter at Emirates Stadium, Odegaard is adored by Arteta for his hard-working nature and ability to find players with his excellent distribution.
Emile Smith Rowe
Has delivered on his promise to score more goals after being challenged by Arteta last season.
An exciting talent who has a massive future ahead of him for both club and country.
Sambi Lokonga
Bought as a long-term prospect and someone who could hold huge resale value for the club in the future.
Hasn't made a huge impact on the midfield yet but collective belief at London Colney that he will go on to become a European star.
Mohamed Elneny
Set to leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
Granit Xhaka
Linked with a move to Roma after being close to joining the Italian giants last summer.
Potential new signings:
Youri Tielemans
The Leicester midfielder is likely to be subject of a summer move from Arsenal.
Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has already admitted that his squad is set for a summer overhaul, with Tielemans' representative already looking for potential suitors.
Renato Sanches
Speaking last month, the Portuguese international mentioned Arsenal as a club who have expressed interest in him.
A summer move could be on the cards with the likes of Elneny set to leave the club.
Sanches told L’Équipe: “Who is interested in me? Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested, but I don’t know. I talked to my agent, I know which clubs are calling and which are not, but now I can’t tell. But I know I’m ready. If it happens, I’ll see what’s best for me.
“Milan? It’s a great club, a historic club. It's classy. I like it. I was supposed to go to Barcelona in the summer, then my injury blew everything up. Leave in January? I know I’m ready. If an offer comes in.”
