Arsenal must make sure they get the majority, if not all, of their summer transfer business right this year. A return to the Champions League whilst aiming to compete at the top of the Premier League again means the Gunners must operate as effectively as possible.
There has been plenty of talk of priority signings in what is looking likely to be one of the most expensive windows in the club's history. Owner Stan Kroenke will reportedly back Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar's plans in the window, with a reported budget of £200million made available.
Therefore, identifying a number of bargain purchases could be an avenue the club go down to aid their pursuit of Declan Rice. Alongside possible free transfers, the Gunners could benefit from players who could be available for a bargain fee ahead of the expiry of their contract next summer.
READ MORE: Arsenal make £17m move to solve Mikel Arteta's Takehiro Tomiyasu right-back issue
Here, football.london takes a look at seven signings that Arsenal can complete this summer for much less than their transfer value.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
The Lazio midfielder has often been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium after impressing in the Italian top flight. Having been Lazio's most stand-out performer for a run of years, it's surprising to see Milinkovic-Savic still in Italy.
According to reports in Italy, Lazio would accept close to €40million (£34.4million), significantly cheaper than the price previously mooted. At 28, Milinkovic-Savic offers incredible pedigree in midfield with a decent goalscoring return of 69 goals and 59 assists for Lazio. He could be an ideal replacement for Granit Xhaka.
Mason Mount
Arsenal are one of many clubs monitoring Mason Mount's situation at Chelsea. Todd Boehly and Co.'s failure to reach an agreement with the creative midfielder means they will lose one of their own this summer.
Manchester United are currently favourites, but there is a reason for Arsenal to make a move. Mount, despite just finishing his fourth season in the Premier League, is still only 24 and is capable of offering his services in a variety of positions. An England international desperate to prove a point next season could be a match made in heaven.
James Maddison
Like Mount, James Maddison is almost certain to switch clubs this season. Leicester City's relegation from the Premier League means the playmaker could be available for around £40million-£50million. But despite the Foxes' torrid season, Maddison enjoyed himself on an individual level.
He scored 10 goals and assisted a further nine in 30 league games. Capable of playing out wide or in the Martin Odegaard-role, Maddison would add quality depth in various areas for Arteta next season. The problem is, he's on a number of club's wish lists.
Pau Torres
Moving to defensive reinforcements, Villarreal's Pau Torres could be a probable option for Arteta this summer. Reports in Spain claim the Yellow Submarine intend to offer the centre-back a "life contract", but the prospect of a move to the Premier League could be more tempting.
The Spain international was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, but Lisandro Martinez was signed instead. Torres' qualities when defending and on the ball make him an attractable asset. FBRef ranks him in the top 96th percentile for progressive passes and 89th percentile for tackles in the final third - demonstrating his nature to play as part of a high-line.
Benjamin Pavard
Possibly the most sensible name on this list, Benjamin Pavard is exactly the sort of player Arsenal should be looking at. The France international can operate as a right-back or in central defence - requirements that tick Arteta's boxes.
He's not expected to commit his future to Bayern Munich, leaving clubs the chance to make their move this summer for a discounted price. With Takehiro Tomiyasu suffering an injury-hit season, Ben White has been the sole option at right-back and a deputy will have to be brought to ensure they are not left short.
Nico Williams
Over time, clubs in Europe have benefitted from young players choosing to rundown their contracts and we could see a similar case with Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams. The winger, who can also play as a striker, has caught the eye of a number of top sides after a decent first proper season in Spain.
Williams scored nine goals and assisted six in 42 games for Bilbao and has been one of their best players. Arsenal have a host of options in attack, especially out wide, but if Reiss Nelson or Emile Smith Rowe are to move on, Williams could be an impressive cost-efficient alternative.
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta's four dream Arsenal transfers revealed as Edu plots £203m summer swoop
Arsenal questioned on striker target interest when Folarin Balogun is ‘very similar’ anyway
The Champions League rule changes to affect Arsenal next season as UEFA announces new format
Karim Benzema's Real Madrid exit could impact Arsenal transfer plans amid Vinicius Jr update
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Caicedo move, Saliba contract blow, Rice update, Abraham chance
