Arsenal summer transfer window: Attack, midfield, defence

While Arsenal can do their best to sit at a somewhat respectable position on the Premier League table, there is small chance that the Gunners can even make it into the Europa Conference League at this point.

Winning these final matches would be positive and surely worth going for, yet in truth, the focus will be beginning to move beyond the pitch and into the transfer market.

There are so many questions as I alluded to in my last piece, and many of them are questions of personnel, of contract, and of utilitarian fit and style. While there are names that we know are quite likely gone – with a few different names that could remain – this summer will be a busy one. Although, without European competition, financial magic might have to be worked in north London.

No one believes Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang is going anywhere after the extension he just received, and while this season has been difficult for him, it is even more difficult to believe he would suffer two seasons like that in a row at this age.

Arsenal’s crucial summer transfer window: Attack, midfield and defence all need strengthening by Mikel Arteta

Around him lies young talent, as well as older names; Willian will be difficult to shift unless he is simply trying to vacate north London after this dismal season, while Alexandre Lacazette could reasonably see himself departing for no other reason than finances and squad build.

Lacazette is a fine player who is capable of fine performances when in the right side, it just seems as though he is not in the right squad for his style and comfort. As he sits as a number nine, he takes up a spot that Aubameyang would naturally fill, which in turn means that a young winger like Gabriel Martinelli is unable to see as much playing time as he might deserve or need.

With Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun in the fold, although the former will be leaving, there is sufficient talent and depth to warrant the possible sale of Lacazette to afford the club more necessary pieces in other areas.

With the growth of Nicolas Pepe this season, it is safe to assume that Willian would be expendable if they could find a buyer for the player, as the Brazilian is not worth the roster spot at this point in his career. Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe are both capable of playing internally as well as on the wing, and should Arsenal be able to purchase the Norwegian from his current parent club of Real Madrid, both of those players could impact Pepe where it is necessary.