Tuesday 19 July 2016 11:37, UK
We take a look at the ways in which Arsenal need to strengthen in the summer transfer window.
What are the key areas for improvement? Who could fill the gaps?
We examine the situation with the help of manager quotes and expert pundit views...
Granit Xhaka (Borussia Monchengladbach, £34m), Takuma Asano (Sanfrecce Hiroshima, undisclosed).
Mikel Arteta (retired), Tomas Rosicky (released), Mathieu Flamini (released), Dan Crowley (Oxford United, loan).
Having chosen not to make a major outfield signing last summer, Arsene Wenger has acted quickly to address the issues in his squad by bringing in Granit Xhaka to bolster the midfield. However, Arsenal supporters will be anxious for that to be just the start as their wait to win the Premier League title again extends into a 13th season.
The centre of defence remains a concern with doubts over Gabriel Paulista, while Olivier Giroud's efforts with France at Euro 2016 are unlikely to have banished thoughts of the need for a new striker. Supporters will be encouraged that the club's early summer interest in Jamie Vardy suggests Wenger shares this appetite to improve the squad but Wenger's decision to give Giroud - and Laurent Koscielny - an extended break appears to make the need for reinforcements more pressing.
Arsenal might have missed out on Vardy but they continue to be linked with big-name strikers. While Alvaro Morata appears to be staying at Real Madrid, Romelu Lukaku is thought to be available at the right price, but Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette might be a more affordable option. Don't rule out a trademark Wenger attacking midfielder either - Julian Draxler is reportedly on the radar once again.
"We want to keep the squad stable over the summer while strengthening where possible," Wenger said. "You want the group to be stimulated and to believe that we have improved the quality.
"I must say, we want to combine technical stability with players that we know want to play and know our game. Maybe bring in three players for example. That's the right level for me."
"If they want to go one better than last season then it's the same requirements as last summer, a top quality centre-back and a top quality striker. In defence, I'd want Arsene Wenger to go for Raphael Varane and up top Gonzalo Higuain or Alvaro Morata would fit the bill."
