The Gunners certainly need to make changes to their squad this summer and it seems the club are already on their way to making signings this summer.
According to the Daily Star, Arsenal are in pole position to win the race for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.
Bissouma is in demand, with the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, Everton and West Ham linked.
The Mali international is likely to command a significant price tag, but with just two years left on his Brighton deal, the fee may not reach an unreasonable amount, with £30million the figure in the Daily Star report.
Arteta is seeking players that can help his team take more control in matches and Bissouma is the conductor in a Brighton side that very often dominates the ball and the opponent.
Bissouma turns 25 in August and would join the club approaching his prime years, with Premier League experience under his belt.
Bissouma has averaged 2.7 tackles per game this season, no Arsenal player has managed more than 1.8 (Partey). He also averages 1.7 interceptions per 90, with Ceballos Arsenal’s best at 1.4.
Arsenal also seriously lack ball carriers in midfield. Bissouma excels in this area, averaging 1.5 dribbles per game, Partey and Saka are Arsenal’s highest at 1.3 and 1.5.
It’s clear the qualities Bissouma would add to Arsenal. Could this mean the end for Granit Xhaka? The Swiss international turns 29 in the summer and Arsenal may take this as an opportunity to decrease the average age in the squad.
This is one to watch.