The summer transfer window will be a chance for Arsenal to try and add some more quality to their squad which should help them improve their results in the Premier League.
It is looking like it is going to be a disappointing campaign for Mikel Arteta’s men. They are a long way off the pace in the Premier League title hunt and are out of both the domestic cup competitions.
Here is a look at the positions the Gunners need to recruit in when the transfer window reopens.
Centre Back
One of the priorities this summer is likely to be a centre back. Arteta has yet to find a pairing he looks very comfortable with. David Luiz has been inconsistent, Pablo Mari is showing strong signings of improving, while Rob Holding has had his chance to impress his manager.
The quality of the centre back may depend on if Arsenal have European football to offer their targets. The Gunners are 9/2 in the Premier League betting to finish in the top six at the end of the campaign. They are likely to need to win the Europa League in order to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Bayern Munich defender David Alaba is set to leave his club this summer and would be an excellent signing if Arsenal could convince him to come to North London. The Austrian is being linked with a number of major European clubs, including Real Madrid and PSG, so it’s perhaps a pipe dream.
Creative Midfielder
Although their defensive record has improved this season, Arsenal do not create anywhere near as many chances as they did a few years ago. This is something Arteta can address with a creative midfielder this summer.
Lyon’s Houssem Aouar was linked with a move to Arsenal last year but a deal could not be agreed with the Ligue 1 club. It would be no surprise if the Gunners upped their interest in the Frenchman who could be exactly what they have been missing.
With Mesut Ozil off the books now, they may be able to offer Aourar a lucrative contract. That could end up being money well spent as the 22-year-old looks to be an exciting talent who could lift them to success again.
Striker
At the time of writing, Arsenal are 11th in the standings when it comes to the most goals scored by a team this season. Their leading talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has nine goals, which is low by his standards.
In order for Arsenal to win more games, they need some competition for places up front. Aubameyang and Lacazette are very capable in this league, however, with no real threat of being dropped, maybe they have become a little complacent.
World-class strikers are not easy to find and when they do become available, they are expensive. Arsenal either have to really break the bank and splash the cash on a big name such as Karim Benzema or take a chance on someone like Odsonne Edouard who is scoring goals in a much lesser league.
In order to make room for some new players, expect to see Arteta offload this summer. His side is likely to line up much differently for the start of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.