Arsenal are just three weeks away from the summer transfer window opening for business and there is serious work to be done.
Mikel Arteta's men went another season without silverware after reaching the Champions League semi-final and failing to maintain their usual standard in the Premier League.
As a result, the Gunners are now planning a huge window with new sporting director Andrea Berta spearheading the recruitment at the Emirates Stadium. Fortunately for Arteta, the defence and midfield is in a good spot thanks to previous business and the imminent arrival of Martin Zubimendi.
For many, Arsenal's attack was their Achilles heel this season with the lack of a centre-forward and back-up to Bukayo Saka costing them. So with that in mind, football.london has had a look at what deals they should be striving to compete to bolster their forward line.
Outgoings
Unlike the state of other clubs in the Premier League, Arsenal aren't desperate to sell players. However, incomings will mean less playing time for some and that could spell the end of some.
One player who won't be part of Arteta's plans next season is Raheem Sterling. After arriving late in the summer transfer window, the winger hasn't managed to find his Manchester City form and has been left on the bench too many times.
Ethan Nwaneri, who is now a year older, offers versatility to play out wide or as an attacking midfielder. At 18, the Hale End graduate will be part of the Gunners set-up.
The only uncertain futures in north London are Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard. The former has continued to struggle with injuries this season having only managed 27 games while the latter's 10 goals in 55 games hasn't been enough to cover when he's been called upon.
Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard is yet to sign a new contract at Arsenal (Image: PA)
Trossard's contract expires next summer meaning Arsenal are entering that period of no return. No sale this summer would mean the January transfer window could be the final chance they get at bringing in a fee.
If Arteta does manage to get his two big signings in attack, at least one of these players could be sold in search of more first-team minutes.
Incomings
Whilst outgoings aren't as pressing at Arsenal than other clubs, the need for a new centre-forward is greater. The Gunners' lack of success, particularly this season, comes down to their problems in the number nine position.
Kai Havertz is the club's top-scorer with 15 and he has played just 14 minutes since the start of February. The priority in the window is a new striker and it seems as though Viktor Gyokeres is the priority.
The Sporting CP forward has bagged 96 goals in 101 games in Portugal and after leading them to the Premier Liga title, he's expected to secure a huge move this summer. Reports have stated that Berta has made Gyokeres their number one target with the 26-year-old expected to cost around £60million.
Manchester United, one of the other teams desperate for a new striker this summer, remain in the hunt for Gyokeres. However, a move to north London remains the most likely transfer, but that could change if United win the Europa League and qualify for next season's Champions League as a result.
Out wide, Arsenal have the opportunity to take their attack to the next level. There are not many better than Saka in world football, but behind him, Arteta's firepower is weak. On the left, Gabriel Martinelli has shown in glimpses of what he can do, but consistency has been an issue.
Nico Williams
Nico Williams has been on Arsenal's radar for some time (Image: Getty Images)
Nico Williams and Rodrygo are two players which have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Williams stayed at Athletic Bilbao last summer but his reported £49m release clause makes him the perfect replacement on the left wing.
On the other side, someone to compete with Saka and make a difference off the bench has to be on Berta's radar. Rodrygo has emerged as a shock target after seemingly losing his spot in Real Madrid's plans.
It's been reported that both president Florentina Perez and new head coach Xabi Alonso are open to selling the Brazilian with an offer no less than £70m wanted. Spanish outlet AS have claimed that the Gunners and Man United are both 'willing'' to ramp up the bidding to sign the tricky winger.
How the attack could look after five deals:
Attacking midfield options: Martin Odegaard, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino.
Front three options: Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Nico Williams, Rodrygo, Viktor Gyokeres.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.