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Josh Holland

Romeo Lavia signs, Lionel Messi replacement - Arsenal squad in dream scenario for Mikel Arteta

Arsenal have already secured some world-class signings this summer, but there yet could be more business to be done.

In a dream scenario, Mikel Arteta would welcome another midfielder, right-back and versatile attacker before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Kai Havertz has already improved the Gunners' options in midfield, with many viewing him as Granit Xhaka's replacement after his £21.5million ($27.7m) move to Bayer Leverkusen. Priority target Declan Rice is within touching distance of completing his club-record move from West Ham, with Jurrien Timber also very close to joining.

Since the north Londoners saw their Premier League title hopes dashed last season, the focus has been on upgrading Arsenal's squad in a bid to overcome Manchester City's dominance in England. Arsenal's business isn't expected to stop at three, but it’s likely the spending will be restricted as a result of the early business.

In an ideal world, another midfield will follow Rice through the door to compete with the England international, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard. Moises Caicedo has long been on the Gunners' shortlist, as has Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia.

The future of Partey could have a huge impact on Edu Gaspar's next task. Partey had been strongly linked with a move to the Saudi Arabia, though it's understood the Ghanaian's preference would be to stay in Europe. Rumours have cooled in recent weeks

In defence, Arsenal are stacked. In fact, it would be fair to say they have one of the best back fours in the Premier League. William Saliba's new contract felt like a £100 million signing, with the Rolls Royce of a centre-back having the potential to lead the Gunners' defence for years to come.

READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: £50m off Declan Rice deal, Kylian Mbappe blast, Timber plan

However, the positions out wide in Arteta's defence is where the work needs to be done. Oleksandr Zinchenko isn't expected to find his position under threat after adapting to life at the Emirates Stadium so easily last season, but a new right-back must be prioritised.

A host of players have been linked in the past ten months. Ivan Fresneda has been on the club's radar since January while Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong recently emerged as a possible reinforcement. More recently, Manchester City treble winner Kyle Walker was linked, with the 33-year-old entering the final year of his contract.

Further up the field, much has been made of the Gunners' requirement for a new forward. At centre-forward, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun are available, but the backlog of competition is not a similar story out wide.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are the two star players, with Emile Smith Rowe coming into the new season on the back of a terrific campaign with the England Under-21s this summer. However, Champions League football means additional quality is needed.

A player like Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby would fit the bill perfectly. Predominantly left-footed, the France international has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, but former side PSG are said to be considering a move after losing Lionel Messi this summer.

It should be clarified that Arsenal are only likely to make further signings should they manage to sell players who are surplus to requirements. Only Balogun is expected to bring in a reasonable amount of funds.

Here is how the Arsenal squad is shaping up so far, and where the room lies for new additions.

Goalkeepers: Ramsdale, Turner, Runarsson, Heim

Defenders: Saliba, Magalhaes, Kiwior, Holding, Zinchenko, Tierney, White, Tomiyasu, new signing, new signing )

Midfielders: Partey Elneny, Jorginho, Lokonga, Odegaard, Havertz, new signing, new signing (plus young players who could be involved, including Myles-Lewis Skelly)

Attackers: Saka, Martinelli, Jesus, Smith Rowe, Trossard, Nelson, Nketiah, new signing (plus young players who could be involved, including Ethan Nwaneri)

Which of the following prospects would you like to see in the first team, or loaned out for experience? Swipe to have your say...

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