Arsenal's main focus for now is securing Champions League qualification alongside their run in the latter stages of the competition, but Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are already eyeing potential summer arrivals.
Arsenal's summer search for attacking reinforcements
Despite their best efforts, the Gunners look set to come up short in their hunt for a first Premier League title since 2004 after a frustrating campaign that hasn't lived up to expectation.
Mikel Arteta has a right to bemoan Arsenal's lengthy list of injury problems, which have left key men such as Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined for the last few months. This has led the Spaniard to cultivate makeshift solutions in certain positions, including Mikel Merino's emergence as an auxiliary striker.
Mikel-Merino-Arsenal-Lindelof
The former Real Sociedad man has had his moments through the middle. Still, attacking reinforcements across the front four positions are necesarry if the north Londoners are to become long-term title contenders moving forward.
Finding the right blend of youth and experience has to be the priority - Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane has become an Arsenal target to help bolster competition within the ranks come the summer.
Arsenal's big hitters missing due to injury
Kai Havertz (out for the season)
Gabriel Jesus (out for the season)
Bukayo Saka (potential April return)
Takehiro Tomiyasu (out for the season)
Financially, they will also need to adhere to FFP regulations like everyone else. The Germany international could be available on a free transfer, though his track record will likely attract plenty of interest from other clubs should his contract at the Allianz Arena run down without renewal.
On a positive note, Ethan Nwaneri has become a shining light on the right-hand side. However, strength in depth is the aim for Arsenal to overcome their shortcomings, so it will come as no surprise that Arteta and company have set their sights on another winger.
Arsenal set sights on summer move for Lyon star Malick Fofana
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal have set their sights on Lyon's Malick Fofana as Arteta looks to spruce up the wide areas despite competition from Liverpool for the Belgium international, with scouts returning positive reports after watching him in action.
Reportedly open to taking on a new challenge, the report says 'it’s hard to imagine him staying at Lyon for much longer', but the Gunners may need to pay a fee in the region of £42 million to sanction his arrival. Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are also receptive to his form.
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The incredible striker would solve Arsenal's current problems.
Labelled an "energetic dynamo" by French journalist Walid Acherchour, the 19-year-old has registered nine goals and five assists in 34 appearances this campaign.
Likely to be one for the future, Fofana's engenuity has allowed for 18 successful dribbles and 12 crosses delivered across the season alongside his 74 touches in the opposition area.
Arsenal will have faith in their ability to nurture his talent, but will need to decide whether they want to spend a large chunk of their budget on an upcoming star as opposed to someone in their peak years.