Arsenal face a stern test this summer to assemble a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title next season and their task in hand is made all the more difficult by the continued speculation concerning the futures of key players.

Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez all see their contracts expiring in just 12 months time and it seems increasingly likely that the Gunners will not be able to keep the quartet at the Emirates Stadium.

Of the four aforementioned players, Alexis Sanchez seems the most likely to leave and Arsenal will find it incredibly difficult to find a capable replacement for the Chilean- but they must prepare for the potential loss of the two-time Copa America winner.

Alexis has been in sensational form this season, scoring 23 goals in the Premier League alone, and has excelled leading the line for Arsenal, as well as providing support when playing on the wings.

The loss of Alexis may lead Arsenal to have to sign two players to replace him, a striker and a winger, but any delays on getting deals done will only add to the Gunners frustration’s- so they need to move swiftly and find a strong stance in the market.

Continued speculation on Alexis’ future isn’t helping anyone and Arsenal must find out once and for all whether he will extend his deal. If he doesn’t secure fresh terms, then the Gunners need to move on the market and identify top-quality replacements.

Arsenal cannot afford to wait until Alexis Sanchez has been sold as they would then have to pay over the odds for their targets, as rival clubs would be aware that Arsenal’s transfer kitty has been significantly bolstered by Alexis’ departure.

Arsenal have the finances to ensure they don’t need to sell before they buy so waiting around in the market is not a good plan, especially when it comes to a striker as the Gunners need a top-class addition in this area regardless of whether Alexis stays or goes.

Making early transfer moves could actually aid Arsenal’s hopes of keeping Alexis within North London for the future as it would show their ambition and desire to compete for the major honours, which is something Alexis has made it clear he wants to do.

Arsenal need to make a statement of intent this summer and a swift transfer move for a top-class striker like Alexandre Lacazette or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would show the Gunners mean business- and that would hand Arsenal a major boost.

If Arsenal wait around too long, they could find themselves with a squad needing major improvements and a fanbase that is incredibly restless, so the ball is certainly in the club’s court.