It's here, the 2022 summer transfer window has officially opened and it only feels right for me to set out my own personal dream scenario for Arsenal over the coming months.
The Gunners come off the back of a very dramatic season which ensured a return to Europe but not the Champions League. Regardless, it means more fixtures are coming their way and the Premier League's introduction of five substitutions only increases the need for extra strength in depth.
Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu oversaw one of the most expensive transfer windows in the club's history last year, with £150m spent on six players. However, although there's an acceptance that more must be done this time around, I think it will be about quality rather than quantity.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta handed Gabriel Jesus boost after Serge Gnabry snub paves way for £55m Arsenal deal
The base of the squad is in fairly good shape overall, but now it's time to elevate the level and make some top-quality additions that will increase our chances of a top-four finish moving forward. So, let's get to it and take a look at my picks!
Gabriel Jesus
A slightly obvious choice given the current reports doing the rounds, but I truly think this would be a great signing. Premier League proven, versatile, hard-working and incredibly talented, Jesus would represent a safe yet exciting addition.
The fact that Pep Guardiola signed him should come as an encouraging sign on its own, but 95 goals and 46 assists in 236 appearances tells you exactly what he's about. It's important to remember that Jesus has played out wide on numerous occasions for Manchester City, though 83 goals in 187 games as a centre-forward is still impressive.
That's where I see him playing nine times out of ten if he was to join, taking over from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. At 25 years old, the Brazilian international still has plenty to offer and already knowing Arteta well, he could unlock his full potential.
Serge Gnabry
I know what you're thinking - 'dream on'. Yeah, I'm thinking that too. But considering he's potentially on the market, it would just be wrong of me not to include him. I don't think I need to explain in-depth as to why I would want him to join, I mean, he's world-class and would be the cherry on top of what is already an exciting frontline.
Nicolas Pepe's own future is up in the air, meaning Arsenal could find themselves in need of another wide forward, regardless of Jesus' potential arrival. Bukayo Saka will always be the starting right-winger for as long as he is here, but Gnabry on the left and Jesus down the middle, it sounds nice doesn't it?
Gnabry has improved significantly since joining Bayern Munich, establishing himself as one of the best in the business. Offering pace, energy, skill, goals and assists, his signing would be a huge statement of intent. He's admitted Arsenal still has a special place in his heart and with just a year left on his current deal, who knows what could happen further down the line.
Youri Tielemans
For me, this is a no-brainer. Reportedly available for as little as £25m, Arsenal have the chance to significantly strengthen its midfield with a top-class player. Just like Jesus, Tielemans is a proven success in England and offers qualities Arteta is screaming out for.
Comfortable in possession and dangerous in attack, his ability to score goes from deeper areas of the pitch will give the Gunners something new. I understand the concerns people may have with his contributions without the ball, but Tielemans has proven that he has the capability of doing more than we often associate with him.
Leicester didn't have the best season, it's only normal for most players to underperform as a consequence. So when you look back at the 2020/21 campaign, the Belgian actually ranked second for most ball recoveries by midfielders in the league, showing he can contribute defensively too. He just needs that confidence, and I think he'll find it again at Arsenal.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
A name I didn't expect to crop up in recent days, but one which makes so much sense. Sometimes I feel Zinchenko deserves much more recognition than he sometimes gets after becoming a consistent and reliable part of Guardiola's setup at City.
Capable of playing at left-back or central midfield, his ability in both a defensive and attacking role is incredible. If you recently watched the World Cup qualifier between Scotland and Ukraine, then you would have noticed just how comfortable he is all over the pitch.
He makes the transition from defence to attack and vice versa look easy, and it's a quality that could help Arsenal so much. Zinchenko is the only defensive name to make it on my list, mostly because we will have at least four central defenders when William Saliba returns and Nuno Tavares could leave on loan as reports have stated. Saying that, I would want us to get someone else in should there also be a key departure at centre/right back.
Who do you want Arsenal to sign this summer and what do you make of my selections? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or tweet me @cdavison_afc.
