Mikel Arteta has been told that he must sign at least three more players this summer - even after reaching an agreement with Brighton defender Ben White.
The Arsenal boss made it clear that it would be a pivotal summer in his tenure, admitting that the squad would need to change in order to keep up with their rivals.
Arteta was speaking after watching his side miss out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.
“The squad needs changing,” he said at the end of last season. Things are going to have to change and the owners are going to back it up.”
And Arsenal have made a positive start to the window, already confirming the arrival of Nuno Tavares from Benfica.
Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga will imminently become the club’s second summer signing, while bosses finally made a breakthrough in their pursuit of England international White.
The central defender was Arteta’s top target and they are edging closer towards a transfer after reaching an agreement in principle over a £50million move.
Despite their proactive start to the summer, former midfielder Ray Parlour believes Arsenal must sign another three players if they are to be competitive.
“I think they need another striker,” Parlour told talkSPORT. “I think they need another midfielder, alongside Partey.
“I think they need another player who’s mobile in there. And defensively you could argue that they need a right back, Bellerin is talked about that he could move on.
“There is a lot of hard work to do, it’s not easy to find these players if you’re going to be successful.”
Ruben Neves and Manuel Locatelli have been touted as two options for the midfield berth, although the latter is believed to be looking towards a team in the Champions League and would prefer to join Juventus.
Parlour believes it will be very difficult for Arsenal to land the calibre of player that they really need, due to the fact they will be out of European competition next season.
“Where the club is at the moment, it’s not good enough,” the Gunners legend continued. “The hard bit for Arsenal is bringing players in.
“Every player wants to play in Europe, in the Champions League and if Arsenal are not in that then it’s a little harder to sell the club to players.”
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