Arsenal are set to be one of the Premier League's busiest sides this summer as they prepare for the return of European football in the form of the Europa League.
Mikel Arteta was narrowly beaten to a place in the top-four by Antonio Conte and Tottenham but the 2021-22 season undoubtedly showed significant progress for the Gunners as well. Now the goal will be to continue that positive momentum.
A number of big names have already been linked with moves to Arsenal with the defence, midfield and attack all likely to be strengthened. Last summer saw the club spend over £140 million on new recruits and Arteta hinted at his plans for this year back in May.
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“We are going to have certain resources, not unlimited resources, some resources,” Arteta said towards the end of last season. “And with our resources, we have to play and do what we have to do in the best possible way.
"We don't know what the rest are going to have in terms of resources, which I'm assuming is going to be challenging because now it's not a top-three or top-four league. Now it is a top-eight or 10 teams that are involved. That's why we have to find a way to do again what we did last summer.”
One name to recently be linked with a move to the Emirates is Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez. The Argentinian is capable of playing both in the middle and at left-back, potentially providing plenty of versatility to Arteta.
Arsenal have already had a bid of £25 million rejected by the Dutch giants but are expected to return with a fresh offer of around £30 million in the coming days. But a worry has emerged in the form of Manchester United.
With Erik Ten Hag at the helm of the Red Devils, the former Ajax manager has requested that he be kept informed on the latest regarding Martinez, as reported by Sky Sports News. Could he be considering a hijack of the Arsenal deal?
