Mikel Arteta guided Arsenal to the promised land last May, with the Gunners finally ending their two-decade wait for a Premier League title. But winning the crown is one thing. Defending it is an entirely different challenge.
With rivals strengthening and the new campaign fast approaching, Arsenal cannot afford to stand still. A productive summer transfer window could be the difference between another title celebration and surrendering their throne.
And as the start of the season looms on the horizon, Daily Star Sport looks at five signings Mikel Arteta has to make if he wants to lead his side to back-to-back Premier League titles when May rolls around.
Vinicius Jr
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There’s only place to start and its with the saga of the summer – the will he, won’t he of Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian has emerged as blockbuster target for the Gunners after doubts over his Real Madrid future.
He has just one year remaining on his contract, and since Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at the Bernabéu, he is no longer the undisputed face of the club. Real remain confident they can agree fresh terms, but until then, speculation will continue.
For Arsenal, it would be a genuine statement signing. Vinicius possesses the world-class star power currently missing from Arteta’s squad, bringing not only elite quality on the pitch but global appeal off it.
If the Gunners want to show they intend to dominate English football rather than simply defend their crown, there would be few bigger statements than prising the Brazilian away from Madrid.
Yan Diomande
The bottom line is Arsenal need a winger – and if they fall short in their pursuit of Vinicius then they have to look for other targets, such as RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.
Reports suggest Arsenal, PSG, Liverpool and Manchester City all remain interested in Diomande, while Real Madrid have emerged as an option if Vinicius does leave. The situation has been described as an “open race”.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Paul Merson said: “They have to get a left winger in, especially now Leandro Trossard has left. They left themselves very short in that position.
“For them to let Trossard go is not good business in my opinion – not for what you’re selling. He went for literally nothing. I can’t believe that half the Premier League weren’t after Trossard!”
Bruno Guimaraes
When a player like Bruno Guimaraes becomes available, you simply have to act. Guimaraes’ exit from St James’ Park seems to have been accelerated by Eddie Howe’s Newcastle departure.
Guimaraes wrote the words over a picture of Howe: “King of this club!! Thanks for everything you’ve done for us. I loved enjoying our time together. Thanks for making me a better player and person!
“No words I can say will really say how much I enjoyed being your player. Wish you all the very best in your future, gaffer.” Guimaraes’ addition would add something extra in the middle of the park for Arteta.
The Brazilian should also fit seamlessly into Arteta’s set-up, with the Spanish boss preferring high energy midfielders, such as Guimaraes. However, he won’t come cheap and the Gunners might have to sell before they can buy.
Maxi Araújo
Arsenal already have the best defence in the league, but sitting back would only allow their rivals to catch up.. Earlier this summer, reports emerged they had been offered the chance to sign Maxi Araujo – one they should take up.
According to The Sun, Arsenal, and Liverpool, were offered the chance to sign the Sporting CP full-back for £51.5m – and they are now considering if he would be a good fit for their respective squads.
Going forward, Araújo has all the attributes to thrive in England. Explosive, direct and relentless, he is comfortable anywhere on the left. His ability to drive at defenders and create overloads would give Arsenal another attacking outlet.
There are, however, question marks. Araújo is at his best when he has space to attack into, something he may not enjoy regularly at the Emirates, where opponents often defend deep.
Mika Godts
Mika Godts is a unique talent – and Arsenal won’t have the chance to sign him for such a price ever again. Realistically, it’s now or never for the young winger.
The Belgian winger enjoyed a sensational breakthrough campaign last term, registering 32 goal contributions for Ajax. However, the Amsterdam giant’ technical director, Jordi Cruyff, has been unwavering in his stance.
He told Dutch media: “Ultimately, players like Godts will leave, but only at the right time and for the right price…
“We want to keep him in Amsterdam for at least another year. He is not for sale and otherwise very difficult to buy.”