Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season under Mikel Arteta and are now eager to continue their domestic dominance. They know they cannot stand still as rivals Manchester City and Liverpool both have new managers, while Chelsea have made serious moves in the market.
Left wing target
Arsenal have made three signings so far: Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier and Piero Hincapie on a permanent deal, but bigger deals are expected before the transfer deadline. The most eye-catching signing is likely a left winger. Vinicius Junior has been linked after Morgan Rogers moved out of the equation, and Arsenal want a real ceiling-raiser to level up their attack. Whether a deal can be done is uncertain, especially as reports claim Jose Mourinho wants to keep the Brazil international at the Bernabeu.
Bradley Barcola is another potential target, but Liverpool are pushing harder on that front. Yan Diomande, another elite winger, seems Real Madrid bound after Arsenal reportedly enquired about him last week. His prospective move to Real Madrid could boost Arsenal's chances for Vinicius Jr.
Central midfield pursuit
Central midfield is another area likely to see movement. Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes is in danger of becoming a saga. Arsenal want the Brazilian and he wants Arsenal, but Newcastle want to keep their talismanic captain and are playing spoiler. A move will come down to price; Newcastle will want a monster fee to sanction an exit, and Arsenal will not want to pay what they deem silly money for a player who will turn 29 later this year. Suggestions last week were that Arsenal were ready to bid £70m for him, but it was claimed Newcastle would reject that out of hand.
If Guimaraes proves unattainable, Arsenal may turn their focus elsewhere. Alex Scott is well liked but Bournemouth don't want to sell and could demand over £80m given inflated transfer fees. Ayyoub Bouaddi, one of the World Cup's breakout stars, has been linked, but Manchester City are heavily courting the teenager amid speculation over Rodri's future.
Centre-back addition
With William Saliba out for the foreseeable future, Arsenal are expected to add a centre-back. They have set their sights on Ezri Konsa, but their valuation of the player differs from Aston Villa's. If they decide against pushing the boat out for Konsa, John Stones is available on a free transfer and has the scope to be a bargain. Chelsea are also interested in the former Manchester City man, who has been doing his best to prevent Arsenal from winning the title in previous years.
Centre-forward possibilities
If Arsenal strengthen in those three positions and have budget left, they may seek an elite centre-forward, despite spending significant money on Viktor Gyokeres last year. Julian Alvarez has been linked all summer but would command a seismic transfer fee, likely eclipsing the £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last year. He would represent an upgrade on Gyokeres, and it has been suggested Arsenal could offer the Swede as a makeweight to sweeten any prospective deal given Atletico Madrid do not want to sell Alvarez. However, Barcelona is thought to be the Argentina star's preferred destination.
