Arsenal will bring in five players this summer – here’s where they’ll strengthen – A reserve goalkeeper, A new centre-back, A new midfielder, A new striker…

Arsenal is set to sign five players during the upcoming summer transfer window, focusing on bolstering their squad with a reserve goalkeeper, a new centre-back, a new midfielder, and a new striker.

Arsenal’s upcoming summer is set to be a significant one, as they navigate through various arrivals and departures. Gone are the days when Arsenal’s transfer market activities were unremarkable. Remember when their only notable signing was an aging Petr Cech?

However, even that summer wasn’t the worst for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Times have certainly changed, as the Gunners now freely spend alongside the best clubs in the league. Just last summer, they splashed over £100 million on acquiring Declan Rice alone. Additionally, their signings of David Raya and Kai Havertz from Premier League rivals showcased their ambitious intentions.

The next move for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal is bound to be intriguing, as they strive for glory while acknowledging the evident shortcomings in their playing squad. The question remains: who will be the new arrivals?

Arsenal’s summer signings: 1. A reserve goalkeeper

Let’s kick off with the most evident departure. David Raya’s temporary move from Brentford will become permanent this summer for approximately £27m. This leaves Aaron Ramsdale searching for a new team, just three years after his transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

The English international is seeking regular playing time and with a new contract signed just last year – it’s a tough situation for him – Arsenal will likely fetch more than the £30m they initially paid for him. Despite the talk of having two top goalkeepers – as Mikel Arteta stated, without a clear No.1 – Arsenal won’t be splurging close to £30m to replace Ramsdale.

A suitable backup goalkeeper in the mold of Raya, content with featuring in cup competitions mostly, can be secured for no more than £15m, at most. While no specific names have been linked yet, it’s almost certain to occur, freeing up funds for other positions.

FFT would suggest… if Ajax’s Diant Ramaj is available at a reasonable price, he could be a good option. However, acquiring a second-choice goalkeeper isn’t a top priority in the grand scheme of this reconstruction.

• A new defender

The wounds from the previous season are still fresh in everyone’s minds. Arsenal suffered greatly after losing William Saliba, causing their title hopes to crumble. Although they have strengthened their defense this season, the sight of Declan Rice playing as a centre-back in a meaningless match against Lens, as part of Arteta’s experiment to test his capabilities in that position, reveals the lack of depth in the squad.

It’s not a straightforward solution to just place Jakub Kiwior or Ben White in that position. Saliba orchestrates the defense from a back three during possession, requiring a composed and physically capable defender. While White performed adequately in that role in the past, Arteta emphasized the need for him to be a “leader” in that position during the All or Nothing documentary. White and Gabriel are better suited as aggressive defenders covering the channels.

Saliba has been a consistent presence in the Premier League this season. It is crucial to have a reliable backup for the 23-year-old, especially given Takehiro Tomiyasu’s availability concerns.

FFT would recommend acquiring Ousmane Diomande. Not only is he a suitable replacement for Saliba, but he can also excel in one of the ‘outside CB’ roles.

• A New Midfielders

Arsenal may face the departure of three midfielders in Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Mohamed Elneny during the upcoming summer transfer window. While Jorginho has proven to be a key player for the team, the other two have had limited playing time this season. As Jorginho is aging and not suited for a high number of games per season, Arsenal might consider bringing in a new midfielder with a blend of Jorginho and Partey’s qualities.

Rumors linking Amadou Onana and Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal suggest that the club is in need of a midfielder to complement Rice in the team. Whether they opt for a specialist No.6 or a versatile No.8, Arsenal requires someone who excels in defensive transitions and playmaking.

Partey’s lack of playing time this season raises doubts about his future at the club, with reports suggesting a potential departure. However, Arsenal might not need to make any new signings if Arteta decides to recall Albert Sambi Lokonga from his loan spell at Luton Town. Alternatively, a wildcard option could involve Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong, should they be open to offers.

• A New Striker

Arsenal’s search for a prolific No.9 continues, despite having Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as options. While they scored a record 88 league goals last season and are on track to surpass that, the club still lacks an instinctive finisher who can dominate defenders.

Although players like Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney have been linked to the role, it’s uncertain if they would start every game, considering the presence of Victor Gyokeres and Dusan Vlahovic. While Gabriel Martinelli could potentially play up front, Arsenal may also need another left-winger.

In terms of potential signings, Evan Ferguson or Joshua Zirkzee could be considered as rotational options alongside Jesus, Havertz, and Martinelli. Additionally, Arsenal is reportedly interested in acquiring another winger to provide more depth and options.

Leandro Trossard, who was signed in January 2023, hasn’t fully filled the role of an explosive touchline winger, and Emile Smith Rowe has stopped playing on the left due to tactical changes. Reiss Nelson’s lack of league starts this season suggests he may not have a significant role in the future. While Jesus can cover both wings, he has predominantly played on the right during his time in England.

FFT would acquire Nico Williams. He possesses the ability to perform effectively on both flanks, resembling Arsenal’s Jeremy Doku in terms of breaking down deep defensive lines.

It appears to be a logical move. Ramsdale, Partey, Cedric, Nelson, Tierney, and Portuguese full-back Nuno Tavares (currently on loan at Nottingham Forest) are all likely to be transferred, with the potential departures of Jorginho, Smith Rowe, and even Fabio Vieira and Trossard if they seek more playing time elsewhere.

There are also promising young players emerging who can contribute to the team. Midfielder Charlie Patino, who has been on loan, might come back (either permanently or for a profitable sale), Brooke Norton-Cuffy has impressed as a right-back in the Championship, and 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has already gained some playing time. Myles Lewis-Skelly is highly regarded and could be developed into a left-back, as per Arsenal’s coaching staff.

And this presents yet another intriguing potential position that Arsenal will improve, either in the upcoming summer or the following one. Jurrien Timber initially started the season as a left-back, Tomiyasu has also played important matches in that role, and Kiwior has shown promise in that position. On the other hand, Oleksandr Zinchenko has struggled to secure a consistent place in the team, and his defensive weaknesses have made his position less essential and more of a luxury.

After spending two seasons in north London, his role is now uncertain. There are rumors that Arsenal is considering acquiring another left-back: could Zinchenko be sold? Is it possible for the Ukrainian player to be transformed into the midfielder that Arsenal requires? Alternatively, might Arsenal pursue another left-back who can provide overlapping runs, revitalizing Trossard or Smith Rowe on the left side?

Many decisions lie ahead…