Arsenal can still enjoy a historic season if things go the way they want. The Gunners may be 12 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, but they do have a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid to look forward to on the horizon.
Even though there is still plenty to play for on the pitch, Arsenal's hierarchy will be mindful of plans that need to be put in place in the summer. The transfer window presents an opportunity for the Gunners to take stock and assess their current situation, and strengthen the squad with new signings should they wish to do so.
Rumours have already been swirling about the players who may or may not be of interest to Arsenal this summer. Whether any of those reports turn out to be accurate, though, only time will tell, but what's certain is that some decisions will need to be made ahead of next season.
Here, football.london takes a look at some important decisions that Arsenal may have to make in the months ahead.
Sign Alexander Isak
Much has been said about Arsenal's need to sign a new striker. At the moment, there is one centre forward whose name is on everyone's lips - Alexander Isak.
The Newcastle United star has 23 goals to his name this season and is competing for the Premier League Golden Boot award this term. It's such form, which has seen the striker heavily linked with a move away from the Magpies, although the idea of a £100million-plus asking price is likely to put off any interested clubs.
If Arsenal can raise funds with potential player sales and free up room in the wage bill in the process, signing Isak should be considered a priority.
The Gunners should always strive to sign the best players in the world in their respective positions, and when it comes to the striker department, the player who arguably deserves that title is Isak.
Complete Martin Zubimendi transfer
It's not just centre forward where Arsenal may be in need of reinforcements, but also in midfield. Martin Zubimendi has been heavily linked with signing for the Gunners for some time, with the Real Sociedad star having a €60million (£50.5million) buyout clause in his contract.
Liverpool tried and failed to sign Zubimendi last summer, but it remains to be seen if the midfielder will be as keen to remain with the La Liga club this year.
Various reports have claimed that Arsenal could make a move to sign Zubimendi in the summer. If that's a possibility for the Gunners, they would be wise to sign the Spain international to strengthen their midfield options as a potential replacement for Jorginho or Thomas Partey, both of whom are out of contract in the summer.
Agree Bukayo Saka contract
While new signings are often the talk of a summer transfer window, Arsenal would be wise to get another piece of business completed in the months ahead. Bukayo Saka's importance to the Gunners has been emphasised while the forward has been on the sidelines with a hamstring injury over the last three months.
Saka's current deal runs until the summer of 2027, meaning he still has more than two years left to run. Arsenal, though, are reported to be keen to open talks with the 23-year-old over an extension amid potential transfer interest in the summer.
Even though there is no immediate danger of Saka's contract expiring, the club will be wise to think ahead and plan for the long term to avoid the forward entering the final 12 months of his deal. Arsenal will want to build their future around Saka, and the sooner a new contract is agreed the more relaxed the situation will be.
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