Arsenal sign star but Arteta needs to act swiftly as Spurs, Liverpool, and Man City swoop

The Gunners have recruited 19-year-old right winger Marquinhos on a long-term contract, easing their lack of attacking options.

Marquinhos made an impressive 33 appearances for the Brazilian side following his debut last summer and aided them in winning the Compeonato Paulista in 2021.

And should star boy Bukayo Saka leave this summer, Marquinhos could help fill his absence.

However, whilst the Brazilian starlet will be aiding Arteta in rebuilding his squad, the Gunners still have a long way to go in the transfer window.

The north London side lost striker Alexandre Lacazette to Lyon following the end of his contract and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang to Barcelona in January.

It also became clear as Arsenal slipped out of the Champions League spots that they needed to improve their defensive options, too.

So which areas of the Gunners' squad need improving before the start of the 2022/23 campaign?

Strikers

Lacazette and Aubameyang moving on leaves a hole in the Gunners' frontline, even if Eddie Nketiah does sign a new deal worth £100,000 a week.

The north London side have been heavily linked with Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus. However, The Times reported City had instead offered him to Arsenal's rivals, Tottenham, instead.

Whatever happens with the Brazilian, though, Arsenal will undoubtedly be focusing their efforts on recruiting in this department.

Given their struggle for goals towards the end of the season, Arteta and Edu must act swiftly.

Midfield

Gunners midfielder Maitland-Niles could be heading for the exit in search of consistent game time following his loan at Roma, with Premier League new boys Nottingham Forest showing interest.

The 24-year-old is out of contract next summer, but should he leave the Gunners already have their sights set on new options in the middle of the park.

After initially targeting Brighton's Yves Bissouma, their move for the Seagulls star has been hijacked by Tottenham who have agreed a deal up to £30million for him.

Instead, the Gunners have now been looking at Leicester City's Youri Tielemans.

The Foxes are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the Belgium international, with Tielemans indicating he won't sign an extension.

And after Thomas Partey's injury showed a lack of options in midfield, Arsenal will need to focus their recruitment on this area of this squad too.

A fee for Tielemans is set to be around £25million if the Gunners do get this business done.

Defence

It's a similar story when it comes to the Gunners back line, with Kieran Tierney's season-ending knee injury showing how weak their defensive options were.

With Granit Xhaka and even Saka stepping in to the absent left-back's role, and Nuno Taveres cleary not favoured by Arteta, Arsenal fans will be keen to see this area strengthened.

Inter Milan Federico Dimarco has been linked with Arteta's side, according to The Sun.

However, his £20million price tag has apparently created a bit of a stumbling block, with the Gunners not keen on going over budget for a back up player.

Tierney's return will of course ease their left-back worries, but it's definitely another area they'll need to strengthen.

Goalkeeper Bernd Leno is also attracting attention from other clubs including Fulham and Newcastle after falling to behind Aaron Ramsdale in Arsenal's goalkeeper pecking order.

As this would leave Arteta with Ramsdale and Under 23's keeper Arthur Okonkwo who has only appeared on the bench in the Premier League this season, this is yet another area they could do with bolstering.

It leaves Arsenal with plenty to do but with Tottenham, Man City, and Liverpool among those acting quickly in the transfer market, they risk being left behind.