Mikel Arteta will be forced into a number of big Arsenal decisions following what is expected to be a busy summer transfer window. Additions in attack and midfield appear as the priority for Arteta and incoming sporting director Andrea Berta, while multiple exits will likely be sealed.
The last two trading periods have been relatively quiet for Arsenal with the focus for last summer on raising the floor of the squad as opposed to the ceiling which saw Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino brought in. Despite the pair playing in midfield and defence, they have both shown a clear ability in front of goal.
Merino is currently playing up top with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all unavailable due to injury. The latter duo are currently Arteta's central striking options with it clear as a result, a more natural finisher is needed. Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig are both options being looked at to fill that void.
Further back, senior outgoings are expected to spark more new signings with Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract this summer. The two experienced stars occupy the exact same midfield position and thus Arsenal will need to find at least one replacement.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks set to be exactly that with Arsenal having all but agreed to sign him. The Spaniard has previously turned down Barcelona and Liverpool, but the Gunners are expected to sign him, likely either through activating his £51million release clause or paying over that sum through instalments.
The arrival of Zubimendi suggests Arsenal's midfield going forward will be with him at the base while Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice remain as the No.8s. Merino and Havertz can also play in those roles and the addition of a striker would leave Arteta with some tough decisions.
Hale End starlets Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri could also see their long-term futures in midfield. Though Arteta prefers Rice higher up the pitch, he is capable of playing that deeper role and that could certainly help the two teenagers earn more minutes in that position.
With so many options in that area of the pitch, and potentially another arrival to come alongside Zubimendi. In place of Partey and Jorginho, it is plausible that Fabio Vieira will depart.
The Portugal international has been back on loan at Porto and though he has been deployed further forward, there is now arguably more competition in that department back at Emirates Stadium. And two midfield signings along with an elite-level addition in attack could spell trouble for both Havertz and Merino.