Arsenal returned to Europe this season but now Mikel Arteta's squad needs strengthening to ensure they can attempt to compete on all fronts. Dean Jones provides GIVEMESPORT with a must-read guide to the Gunners' summer transfer window.

Where do Arsenal want to strengthen?

We look at Arsenal's strongest XI and see a team that can compete with almost anyone, yet as soon as a couple of players are absent they have problems. The aim for this window is to bring in talent that challenges the players in that starting line-up.

Who could the Gunners sign this summer?

A new forward will join and Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, Alexander Isak, Jonathan David, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Victor Osimhen, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez are all linked as targets.

There is also a need to find a versatile defender and a midfielder. Those three positions are key areas of business in the window but sources indicate that there is a realisation the recruitment needs to go deeper than that. Arteta might have as many as six new signings by the time we get to the summer transfer deadline.

The signing of Aaron Hickey has been explored as a player that can bring depth to the back line while Youri Tielemans is emerging as a player they are interested in and sources have been suggesting that Leicester City are willing to sell at the right price. Transfermarkt currently value him at £49.5m.

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Arsenal's dream signing this summer?

Arsenal fans were burned by the links to Dusan Vlahovic in January and will be wary of getting carried away by rumours in this window. Yet if there is one name that brings excitement in this market it might be Lautaro Martinez, fresh from racking up 25 goals and four assists across all competitions this season.

They looked into a deal last year and have continued to monitor his situation, knowing that he has ambition to one day play in the Premier League. Whether signing the Inter Milan star becomes possible remains unclear, but in terms of a dream addition - this is exactly the signal of intent they would love to make.

Who's leaving the Emirates Stadium?

Alexandre Lacazette has an expiring contract that needs to be dealt with one way or another, while goalkeeper Bernd Leno sees his deal run out in 2023 and it is expected he will be sold after 125 appearances for the north London club. A decision on William Saliba needs to be made soon.

A big sale could come in the shape of Nicolas Pepe, if they can find a buyer. His departure may even allow the club to be more ambitious in the market this summer as it would loosen the wage bill.

Arsenal's biggest challenge this summer?

Convincing Tier One targets that they are on the right track. Last year Arsenal's status as a top European club was in the mud as they had no European football to play. They have now fixed that situation and Arteta is likely to use his personal touch to remind some of the best available players in the market that Emirates Stadium remains a place where dreams can come true and silverware can be won.