Arsenal will need to make a “minimum” of five signings this summer if they are to go in the right direction, according to one expert.
The Gunners have lost a beat in their battle to return to the Champions League this season. They are currently in the middle of the table and winning the Europa League is probably their only hope of returning to the continent’s top competition. However, even that will be challenging.
Attention will soon turn to the summer transfer market as Arsenal look to rebuild. If they miss the Champions League, they may have a limited budget to work with.
Still, one of his former players believes they should make a declaration of intent in the transfer window. Michael Thomas, who played for them between 1984 and 1991, has mentioned four areas where they need to strengthen themselves, as well as some potential goals.
“I don’t think Arsenal should be thinking about a new manager yet,” Thomas told CaughtOffside. “A new coach will experience the same problems until he has his own team of players to produce what he wants.
“I think [Mikel] Arteta needs to finish the season high with the Europa League and try to get more of his own players to join the team.
“If then he cannot get his group of players to act, then Arsenal as a club will have to decide where they will go from there.
“I would say a minimum of five signings are needed: a right back (Achraf Hakimi), a left back (Ryan Bertrand), a central midfield (Yves Bissouma and Martin Odegaard) and a left back.”
The right-back has been an area of focus for Arsenal recently, as there are doubts about the future of Héctor Bellerin.
The Spaniard has been with the club for most of his senior career. However, you may be looking for a new challenge: as another ex-gunner has advised him.
Hakimi may be the ideal replacement, as he has cemented his reputation as one of the best at his position in recent years. His form has helped Inter Milan on their way to the Serie A title this season, but the Italian club has to sell players to raise funds. That could give Arsenal a chance to sign Hakimi..
The opposite flank of the defense is also a place that Arsenal need to reinforce. After allowing Sead Kolasinac to leave in January, there is little coverage for Kieran Tierney, the first choice.
Reports suggested Bertrand as a target in January, but an agreement could not be reached in time. However, with his Southampton contract expiring in the summer, they could sign him for free.
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As for midfield, the Gunners have been trying to find the right balance in recent windows. Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi were thought to be solutions, but they ended up on loan in the summer. They are unlikely to return.
After Mesut Ozil left in January, Martin Odegaard arrived on loan from Real Madrid. The Norwegian has done well, but Arsenal may have to stretch their budget to afford his permanent signature.
Bissouma would be another option to provide coverage in a deeper area. Has impressed for Brighton in recent years and has been linked to a move to a bigger club.
Arsenal advise getting rid of the trio
Meanwhile, another expert has been talking about what other deals Arsenal must do. In addition to signings, they must be thinking of selling out some of their underperforming players.
This would be essential to accommodate new signings. And there are many players to choose from who could break through.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has now named three players who should be shown out the door. In addition, he also expressed concern for Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his future.
READ MORE: Carragher urges Arsenal to sell three players, Aubameyang’s concern raises
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