Mikel Arteta identifies three positions Arsenal must strengthen after third title blow

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to be backed in the summer transfer window after coming up short in the race for the Premier League title again with a number of signings in the pipeline

Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to sign two forwards in the summer transfer window in a bid to get the Gunners over the line in the title race after missing out on Premier League glory for a third successive year.

The Londoners have been narrowly pipped to the post by Manchester City in recent years, with Arne Slot’s side now poised to win the title this term. Arsenal are currently in second spot again but could yet be overhauled by some of the teams behind them, meaning there is still plenty to play for this season.

But even with a handful of games still to play, plans are already being made for the upcoming summer transfer window – and it looks set to be a busy one for the Gunners and their new sporting director, Andrea Berta.

According to a new report from ESPN, Arsenal want to strengthen in at least three positions this summer: a striker, a wide forward and a central midfielder.

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The club’s desire to sign a top striker has been well documented in recent months, particularly in January when injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz looked likely to derail their latest title bid.

A host of names have already been linked with a move to The Emirates, including Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, the former of whom was a top target for the club last summer before opting to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig.

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Martin Zubimendi, the Real Sociedad playmaker, is the Gunners’ top midfield target and a deal is already in the works. The Spain international came close to joining Liverpool last summer before a late change of heart.

Arsenal’s work in the summer transfer window will be scrutinised after another near miss in the Premier League this term. The Gunners last won the title over 20 years ago, back in the 2003-04 season.

Speaking earlier this week, Arteta insisted his team were determined to make Liverpool wait as long as possible before being crowned champions. However, their 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace in midweek now means that Slot’s side need just a point to clinch a 20th domestic title when they host Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.

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