2 THIS SUMMER’S FOUR-POINT PLAN

PRIORITISE GREATER ATHLETICISM

Arsenal don’t have the budget for top-quality acquisitions, but they can utilise the transfer market to balance the team better. Arsenal’s spine lacks dynamism: their players are too slow, especially in transition. A better athletic profile will go a long way to improving their team, especially in protecting a leaky defence.

MAKE PAINFUL CHOICES

There are players Arsenal would like to trade in, but most of them won’t attract large fees. To properly replenish the squad, they may have to consider the necessary evil of selling a star asset. That could even be Lacazette, as at 28 his value is high, although he would be difficult to replace. One way or another, Arsenal need to make a tough decision or two this summer.

GIVE YOUTH A CHANCE

Given their limited budget, Arsenal must look to a talented academy crop. It’s unreasonable to expect replacements for their departing or declining stars, like Aaron Ramsey or Mesut Ozil, but a few more players in the mould of Ainsley Maitland-niles would be very useful in beefing out the squad. Arsenal should use the Europa League group stage to test their young talents and create a market to sell one or two of them, allowing the reinvestment of funds. In Hector Bellerin, Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira and Rob Holding, the side has a young core emerging. The Gunners should target this age profile in the market as well.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

After the exits of Arsene Wenger, Ivan Gazidis and Sven Mislintat in the last year, there has been huge upheaval behind the scenes. Vinai Venkatesham and Raul Sanllehi now have to steady the ship and form a stable structure.