Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are acutely aware of the importance of the next summer transfer window.
A disappointing performance last summer set the Gunners back a season, as they failed to secure a striker to complement their solid defensive base. This has contributed to them falling well behind Liverpool in the title race.
Arteta will soon have the advantage of collaborating with a new sporting director to secure his preferred transfer targets following Edu Gaspar's exit earlier this season.
Andrea Berta is the frontrunner in Arsenal's search, having agreed to part ways with Atletico Madrid in January.
His impressive 12-year stint with the La Liga club underlined his talent for securing great deals in the transfer market. But while money will undoubtedly be spent this summer, some bargains can be found in the free agent market too.
With that in mind, Football.London examines five soon-to-be-out-of-contract stars the Gunners could potentially bring in.
Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan joined Barcelona on a free transfer after Manchester City's historic Treble-winning season in 2022/23 before returning to the Etihad on a one-year deal last summer.
The German has clocked up more minutes than expected due to injuries. However, at 34, his performances may not be enough to secure an extension.
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan
Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan could be on the move again this summer (Image: Getty Images)
ESPN reports that Gundogan envisions himself playing for another top European club before ending his career in Saudi Arabia. Arsenal could be a potential destination, with Arteta familiar with the player from his time as a coach at City.
Despite his age, Arteta has previously shown no hesitation in reuniting with former City players, including Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling. There is still a chance that Gundogan could excel under Arteta's management and give Arsenal extra creativity in the final third.
Leroy Sane
Sane now plays for Bayern Munich
Leroy Sane's future with Bayern Munich is up in the air (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The ex-City player was a standout performer in the Premier League under Arteta's guidance before suffering an ACL injury and moving to Bayern Munich in 2020. His contract with the Bundesliga champions is set to expire at the end of the season.
Despite struggling to secure a regular starting position and replicate his previous form since joining Bayern, Sane possesses the qualities that Arsenal have been missing this season.
Sane, with his ability to take on players and break open defences with his speed, remains a significant threat - something Arsenal experienced firsthand in last season's Champions League quarter-final. At 29, he still has several top-level seasons ahead of him.
However, Arteta and the new sporting director will need to move quickly as Sky Sports Germany reported this week that positive discussions have taken place between the Germany international and his current club about a potential contract extension. The report also stated that the likelihood of an extension has increased in recent months following reported interest from Liverpool.
Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich
Arsenal could move for Joshua Kimmich in the summer (Image: Getty Images)
Sane's Bayern team-mate is another world-class player who Arsenal bosses should be monitoring. The versatile 30-year-old's contract with the Bavarians expires at the end of the season, and there are suggestions that he is unlikely to re-sign.
This would allow the Gunners – who Sky Sports Germany reports are interested – to secure the Champions League winner, who has 97 caps for Germany. Kimmich would primarily be used as a deep-lying playmaker alongside Declan Rice, with current options Thomas Partey and Jorginho both expected to leave the this summer.
He would also add depth to the right-back position, which is crucial given Ben White and Jurrien Timber's long-term injury problems. However, Kimmich is also on PSG's radar according to Bild, who say the Ligue 1 champions have offered him a contract.
Jonathan David
Jonathan David of Lille
Jonathan David is ready for his next move (Image: Getty Images)
The discussion about Arsenal's urgent need for a striker persists. While names like Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko continue to be linked, a free agent like Jonathan David could be the answer.
Boasting 105 goals for Lille since arriving in 2020, the Canadian sensation seems to be a perfect fit and is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League. David, with a gentleman's agreement keeping him at Lille until they secured Champions League qualification, is quoted as saying his ambition reaches beyond just one league.
"I think obviously the Premier League is regarded as one of the best leagues in the world," he said. "And for me it's not the Premier League or bust. I'm open to anything and every league has its challenges."
Jonathan Tah
Jonathan David
Jonathan David could become a free agent in the summer (Image: 2025 Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
Tah is another name to consider. Despite Arsenal's defensive depth, they are still notably short of cover in the centre-back position for Gabriel and William Saliba.
Jakub Kiwior has failed to impress when given opportunities and Timber, when fit, is preferred at right-back. Enter Bayer Leverkusen's towering defensive stalwart, who helped the German side win an undefeated domestic double last season. Tah's contract will expire in the summer and it appears unlikely he will remain with Leverkusen.
The 29-year-old's experience and leadership would prove vital if Saliba and Gabriel get injured next season, and he is certainly good enough to rotate with the pair if Arteta has all of his options available. Tah has played all but one game for Leverkusen this term, with Arsenal also standing to benefit from his durability.
And should the unthinkable scenario occur whereby Saliba opts to join long-time admirers Real Madrid, the Germany international Tah would be a solid replacement.