Arsenal's summer transfer window offers them a huge chance to strengthen their squad and pick themselves up to make a title charge once again next season. The Gunners mounted a challenge this season, but they were unable to keep up their early pace and ended up finishing second to Manchester City.
While there is plenty of disappointment, the campaign displayed signs of movement in the right direction and with a young squad, there's plenty of chance to sustain their success for years to come. There are still some clear issues to address, though, that could get them over the line.
One is quality in depth, and with the addition of Champions League football for next season, it's clear that some work is required to bolster the squad. While the forward ranks have plenty of options, in defence and midfield, this isn't the case to the same extent and some signings are required.
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Given the size of the squad, keeping the balance is essential and is something that Pep Guardiola appears to have a handle on at City. That means landing players that can play in multiple positions, rather than having two individuals per role on the pitch and that's something the Gunners do have in some areas.
However, they could still do with some changes to increase their versatility as seen over the course of the season as someone like Kieran Tierney missed out on playing time due to Oleksandr Zinchenko's ability at left-back. Equally, injuries elsewhere in the side saw Thomas Partey and Jakub Kiwior drafted in at full-back at the end of the season.
The additions of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo could help solve this, with their own versatility and quality offering several answers for Mikel Arteta. The former is able to play as both a deeper midfielder and a more advanced option too, offering a revamp to the central ranks.
Caicedo can do the same, but more importantly he is also able to play at right-back, as displayed in his time with Brighton this season. While Takehiro Tomiyasu was not starting at right-back, his injury meant Ben White was the only natural option to play there; but the Ecuador international could also switch in there if there have to be changes to the team.
The pair can cover five positions between them and while it would likely be a pricey deal to land both, from anywhere between £150million and £200million given their age profile and ability, it could setup Arsenal for both next season and many years beyond. The deals would move the Gunners that step closer to City, with many answers to problems their opposition pose them in not only the frontline, but the backline and midfield too.
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