Arsenal are heading into this summer transfer window knowing they need to improve their attack if they are to stand any chance of winning the Premier League.
Liverpool shocked the top flight this season, having chosen to make minimal alterations to their squad and yet still managing to win the Premier League. It should really have been the Gunners' year with Manchester City slipping off, but instead Mikel Arteta's side had to settle for runners-up.
Now, Arsenal must find a way to surpass a team who are now going to spend big and have managed to keep two of their star players from last season. The best way to do it will be to spend on their forward line and football.london has taken a closer look at how their money would be best spent.
Sesko signs
The first port of call would be to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old offers Arsenal plenty of potential and could benefit from being trusted with the leading role in the Gunners' attack with Kai Havertz supporting him.
He has been a long-term target for the Gunners, and he fits the bill in the No.9 position, which is a huge green tick next to his name. Arsenal lacked out-and-out centre-forwards this season, and Sesko would help to address that balance.
Jesus plan
Of course, Arsenal need to be watchful of not stacking their squad too much and should also be looking at players that need to move on. Unfortunately for Gabriel Jesus, he picked up a serious injury at the wrong time for himself and the club.
While he will not be back until October or November, the Gunners should be planning for his return and ultimately his departure during the January transfer window. Jesus will always give his all for the club, but perhaps in this new-look attack, the Gunners need to be looking elsewhere.
Nwaneri loan
This summer feels like an important one for Ethan Nwaneri. There is definitely a player in there, but it feels as though he needs a loan spell where he can be playing regular football.
A move to Crystal Palace, Fulham, or perhaps even Leeds United could do him the world of good next season and shape him into a player who can feature more regularly for the Gunners. At the moment, he is not benefitting from being a back-up in this team.
Rodrygo approach
If Nwaneri is to be loaned out, a move for Rodrygo would make great business sense for the Gunners. It feels as though the Brazilian is not in love with the idea of remaining at the Bernabeu, and Arsenal can offer him more football and opportunities to play centrally should he choose.
Should he sign, there would be less need to go for Viktor Gyokeres too, as Arsenal would have a player who could play across that front three with ease. Should the Gunners have £70m to spend on either Gyokeres or Rodrygo, the latter is probably a wiser investment.
Leao decision
Anybody who watched Rafael Leao in action during the Nations League final on Sunday night would be imploring Arteta and Andrea Berta to go after him. The Portuguese winger caused no end of problems with his direct and physical style of play.
Leao was a constant threat, with Spain's players taking it in turns to hack him down. If the AC Milan winger could replicate that in the Premier League, he would be an incredibly useful acquisition.
If Arsenal were to pull all of these deals off, it would be a dream scenario, but realistically the club may have to sell some players elsewhere to green light such an overhaul.
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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
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