Arsenal boss sets out shopping list ahead of busy summer with squad revamp planned

Arsenal kept alive the faintest of hopes of qualifying for European football next season after a shock 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday evening, courtesy of an error by Jorginho. 

The Italian midfielder had Kept Arrizabalaga scrambling back to hook his wayward backless off his goal line, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pounced on the loose ball and squared to Emile Smith Rowe to convert the game’s only goal.

The result leaves the Gunners three points behind fifth-placed West Ham United and, although mathematically possible, qualification for the Europa League is unlikely as both Spurs and Liverpool have at least one game in hand on them.

After such a frustrating season, it appears that boss Mikel Arteta is already looking to the summer and planning to overhaul his current squad.

According to Goal, the Spaniard has notified the club of his wishlist for the upcoming transfer window.

Two full-backs, a central midfielder, a striker and a goalkeeper are all reportedly on Arteta’s list, with a number of the club’s current squad members potentially heading the other way.

Strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah could both depart, while David Luiz’s current deal is due to expire in June and it is understood it won’t be renewed.

Nketiah’s time at Arsenal could be coming to an end, despite only breaking into the first-team last season.

Hector Bellerin, meanwhile, is apparently keen to end his decade-long stay at the Emirates, with a move to his native Spain his most likely destination.

Arsenal are reportedly keen on Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard, however a number of other Premier League clubs are also interested and the Gunners would therefore face stiff competition.

It has been reported that Arteta, along with the club’s technical director Edu, are planning to build the squad around the likes of Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal could also be boosted by the return of William Saliba next season, with the Frenchman impressing during his loan spell with Nice this term.