Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side are looking to add at least four new player to their ranks this summer ahead of their first season back in the Champions League since 2017.
The Gunners currently sit 2nd in the Premier League for the first time since March, having been dethroned at the top by Manchester City over the weekend.
A point behind having played a game more, their title hopes are fading, but they are looking to be active this summer to ensure that this season was not simply a flash in the pan at the Emirates Stadium, but rather a longer term sign that they have returned to the European elite.
To achieve this, Arteta and co. are planning for at least four signings, with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice leading their shopping list.
Alongside Rice, the London Evening Standard report that the north London side are also looking to add another centre-back to take over from Rob Holding, along with another midfielder and potentially even an additional forward too.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has emerged as a potential defensive target, while the likes of Moises Caicedo and Mason Mount are also on their radars further forward.
The Gunners boss has already admitted that his side cannot afford to get anything wrong in the transfer market, given what is at stake.
“We are going to have to nail the recruitment, because we know that we are going to have play a different level and the demands are going to be even higher”, he explained.
Should another forward arrive, it would likely spell the end for at least one of Emile Smith Rowe, Folarin Balogun, Eddie Nketiah or Reiss Nelson, with other options already ahead of them in the pecking order in north London.
Were Arsenal to get their targets this summer, though, it could set them up for a long-term challenge to Manchester City’s crown.
