Arsenal are now just a few weeks away from starting their pre-season campaign ahead of the new season, which commences with two fixtures in Australia, but the Gunners need significant improvements to their squad ahead of their ventures down under.

Arsene Wenger’s side have already secured the services of Sead Kolasinac on a free-transfer from Schalke, bolstering their defensive ranks, but upgrades are needed in attack to improve upon a side that finished fifth in the Premier League last season.

Arsenal have seen a wealth of top names linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, including the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but thus far those reports have been merely rumours.

Even the most optimistic of Arsenal fans will be concerned by the lack of movement in attacking areas, particularly as it wouldn’t be the first time that the North London giants were linked to big names but failed to bring them through the door.

Arsenal have found issues trying to strengthen the pinpoint of their attack in recent seasons, with the likes of Lucas Perez and Danny Welbeck arriving but failing to make an impact that would see them become first-choice at the Emirates Stadium.

With the Gunners slipping down the standings last season, and set for their first campaign out of the Champions League for the first-time under Arsene Wenger, a major statement of intent is needed to show that Arsenal are serious with their intention of returning to the summit of English football.

Ever since the days of Thierry Henry, Arsenal have struggled to find a consistent, world-class striker in their side and this needs to be rectified this summer- but that means Arsenal need to spend whatever necessary to capture the signings they need.

Each of the aforementioned players, Lacazette, Mbappe and Aubameyang, would be sensational additions for the Gunners but they would cost a high price- likely surpassing the club-record £42.5m figure Arsenal paid Real Madrid for Mesut Ozil in 2013.

The signing of Ozil four years ago sent shockwaves throughout the Premier League, as did the capture of Alexis Sanchez the following year, and that duo helped to end the Gunners trophy-less streak- with Arsenal now winning three FA Cups in the last four years.

If Arsenal are to move forward and lift their first Premier League title since 2004, or finally conquer Europe, then another huge signing is needed this summer- and the Gunners can’t afford to sit on their hands over the coming weeks.