If the summer transfer window of 2021 was not Arsenal's biggest in years, Mikel Arteta and Edu have some serious work to do ahead of the 2022-23 campaign in order to match the effectiveness of their pre-season haul last year.
The astute acquisitions of Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Martin Odegaard have all propelled the Gunners into Champions League contention, with Arsenal the best-positioned out of the chasing pack to clinch fourth spot.
However, the prospect of playing in Europe's elite competition and a few established names seeing their deals expire should ultimately lead to a strengthening of the squad, especially with Arsenal refusing to dip into their war chest in January.
Some positions need bolstering more than others, and here Sports Mole takes a look at three areas which need improvement for the Gunners this summer.
STRIKER
The obvious one. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was allowed to depart for free in a move which so far seems to have worked out for both parties, while Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah appear to have no intention of extending their deals beyond 2022.
While Lacazette's link-up play and assists have seen him prove his worth to the side, neither man has shown that clinical edge that Arsenal have desperately needed at times this term - scoring just 11 goals between them in all competitions.
Beating Juventus to the signature of Dusan Vlahovic without a guaranteed spot in the Champions League was always going to be a tall order, but with a striker being the main priority in the summer transfer window, Arsenal can afford to splash the cash on a new number nine.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alexander Isak and Darwin Nunez have all been touted as potential targets, with Arteta seeking a centre-forward whose hold-up play and technical quality stands out as much as their finishing does, and lord knows Arsenal need an aerial threat in the box.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
Many Arsenal fans have at one point been Granit Xhaka's biggest critic, but to the 29-year-old's credit, he has stepped up his game in the past couple of months - no doubt thanks to Thomas Partey staying fit and also enjoying his strongest run in the team.
However, rumours continue to swirl over a potential move to Roma for Xhaka, while Mohamed Elneny is seemingly set to leave on a free transfer and Albert Sambi Lokonga and Charlie Patino are far from the finished products.
Shipping out Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira and Ainsley Maitland-Niles on permanent deals would only increase Arsenal's need for a new midfield enforcer - ideally a competent ball carrier who can progress play while Partey protects the defence.
Fabian Ruiz, Jacob Ramsey and Youri Tielemans all spring to mind, with the latter reportedly considering his next career move as Leicester City languish in mid-table.
RIGHT-BACK
When fit, Takehiro Tomiyasu has barely put a foot wrong for Arsenal this season, but the Japan international's worrying injury problems has seen Cedric Soares hold the fort on his own in recent weeks.
Cedric's recent improvement has been admirable, and White has filled in on the right-hand side of defence at times, but reinforcements will certainly be needed if Hector Bellerin and the ever-versatile Maitland-Niles head elsewhere.
There have been calls to hand Brooke Norton-Cuffy a chance at senior level amid his impressive stint at Lincoln City, but the 18-year-old may not be ready for the step-up just yet, even though any new arrival would likely have to play second fiddle to Tomiyasu.
Premier League-proven youthful right-backs such as Valentino Livramento and Tariq Lamptey would provide adequate competition and cover for Tomiyasu, whose lengthy spell out of action is just starting to concern Gooners that little bit more.
body check tags ::
