Arsenal have spent big in the last two summer transfer windows now. And it is looking like money well spent with the Gunners top of the Premier League table at this early stage of the season.
Time will tell if they can sustain this early season form, but things are looking good at the Emirates Stadium so far. And Edu and Mikel Arteta have made some astute signings.
However, there is a widely held belief that the Gunners are a bit light in the midfield area, particularly when it comes to injuries to players like Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard. So, they could do with strengthening in that department, if not in January, then next summer ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
READ MORE: Arsenal given quadruple injury boost ahead of North London Derby as key stars expected to return
And having spent a lot in the last two summer transfer windows, they could be on the lookout for some bargains. Here we take a look at how they can improve their squad without spending a penny...
Youri Tielemans
The Belgian international was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal and Manchester United in the summer transfer window, however, both opted against making an official bid for his services. He has since broken his silence on the transfer saga, saying: "I'm not going to speak too much about my contract situation at the moment. I didn't leave Leicester in the summer as I always said the project had to be the right one.
“Just because things are getting worse now at Leicester doesn't mean I should regret [staying]."
The 25-year-old is still a reported target for both clubs, though there are concerns over his fitness and whether he'll be able to adapt to Arteta's demanding system.
Douglas Luiz
Injuries to Partey and Elneny led to a late move for Aston Villa's Luiz in the final hours of the window, but the Midlands club strangely wouldn't budge on a £25million fee despite the Brazilian's apparent desire to leave.
With an established Brazilian contingent already at the Emirates, signing Luiz - who has Premier League experience too - on a free transfer seems like a no brainer if it's indeed possible.
Houssem Aouar
It feels as though the Gunners are linked with Aouar almost every transfer window, but this time, a move could really happen. Lyon are typically tough negotiators, hence why they've been adamant in their no-go stance on the Frenchman. They may not have a choice now though.
Marco Asensio
Asensio's agent Jorge Mendes is said to be testing the waters for potential suitors as he searches for a January move away for his client. Arsenal have long been linked with a move for the Spaniard's signature but have so far failed to act on their reported interest. As Arsenal are also a little short at right-wing and Asensio can operate in that role, it's a deal that makes sense on paper. His injury record is the only real worry.
Other less likely possibilities
Chelsea duo N'Golo Kante and Jorginho, and even Real Madrid legends Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, are all coming towards the end of their deals. Whilst they've all been world-class in their own right for several years, Arteta probably won't want to add ageing stars to the project unless they can agree on very minimal wage terms.
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