Arsenal weigh up four new signings as Cody Gakpo of interest and Darwin Nunez scouted

Arsenal spent big under Mikel Arteta last year and they are keen to back him again during this summer’s transfer window.

Arteta signed a new contract just before the end of the season and the Arsenal owners, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, are convinced he is the man to lead them back to the top.

Arsenal struggled with a lack of goals last season from the forward line and bolstering their attack will be a key part of their summer business.

The Gunners specifically targeted young signings last summer, but the focus may now shift to those closer to their prime and with Premier League experience.

Here’s Standard Sport’s guide to Arsenal’s transfer window ahead...

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Top priority

The main priorities for Arsenal are signing a striker and a central midfielder. A wide player and full-back could also be added, but those areas are not as pressing to improve on.

In attack, Gabriel Jesus has emerged as the top target. The Gunners had been looking at signing two strikers, but may opt for one now Eddie Nketiah is set to stay at the club.

Arteta wants to sign a new midfielder, specifically someone who can play as a No8 in a 4-3-3 formation. Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans has emerged as the top target there.

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What else they need

A new full-back would be a welcome boost. Cedric Soares and Nuno Tavares did okay when filling in last season, but they can be improved upon. Someone like Aaron Hickey, who plays for Bologna, would be an ideal addition as he can operate at left or right-back.

A wide player would also be beneficial. Bukayo Saka got through a lot of minutes last season and, with Nicolas Pepe likely to leave the club, then reinforcements there seems wise. PSV’s Cody Gakpo would fit the bill, but it may be hard to prise him away from Holland as he is currently settled there ahead of the World Cup in December.

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Possible ins

Jesus and Tielemans look the prime targets for Arsenal, but they have been linked with many others. In attack, Darwin Nunez, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jonathan David and Tammy Abraham have all been scouted, while in midfield they have also tracked Ruben Neves in the past too.

When it comes to full-backs, Hickey has been heavily linked with Arsenal, but they are fans of Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence too - who excelled on loan at Nottingham Forest this season.

When it comes to wide forwards, Arsenal are known admirers of Cody Gakpo, while a move to bring Serge Gnabry back to the club has been touted too.

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Possible outs

There should be a fair few outgoings at Emirates Stadium this summer. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno has a year on his contract and will be sold as his replacement, Matt Turner, has already been bought.

Full-back Hector Bellerin wants to stay at Real Betis after enjoying his loan there, while centre-back Pablo Mari is in a similar boat following a spell at Udinese.

In midfield, Ainsley Maitland-Niles looks set to depart and Lucas Torreira is also on his way out too. Winger Pepe is expected to go, but it remains to be seen if Reiss Nelson exits too after a loan at Feyenoord. Roma could return with a new bid for Granit Xhaka.

Striker Alexandre Lacazette will be out of contract at the end of June.

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