Mikel Arteta’s squad has already received reinforcements at the Emirates this summer, though the north London club are pursuing additional signings ahead of the new campaign.
The north Londoners are determined to defend their domestic crown and mount a serious challenge for European glory after their dramatic title triumph last term.
Former Manchester United and England centre-back Gary Neville is of the opinion that the Gunners require just one elite-level striker to secure the Premier League trophy once more and conquer Europe.
The London outfit brought their long wait for league championship glory to an end last campaign, overcoming closest challengers Manchester City to lift the trophy.
Arteta’s charges are forecast to secure the league title again this term, while also aiming to go further in continental competition after suffering penalty heartbreak against Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League showpiece.
The squad has been bolstered during the close season, with permanent captures of Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Illan Meslier, though the club continues to search for more recruits.
Atletico Madrid marksman Julian Alvarez is among the forwards being mentioned as potential targets for the Emirates Stadium outfit, though Spanish rivals Barcelona are similarly eager to recruit the Argentine forward.
Sources close to Arsenal indicate that senior figures at the club view Alvarez as an individual capable of helping Arteta elevate the team to unprecedented heights.
The Atletico striker’s contract contains a buyout clause exceeding £400million, and Diego Simeone’s side have already turned down a £130million offer from city neighbours Real Madrid during the current transfer window.
The Gunners have demonstrated their hunger for marquee signings this summer, engaging in discussions with Vinicius Junior regarding a switch to north London before the Brazilian international committed his future to his current club.
Nonetheless, Neville believes the Londoners are merely one high-profile acquisition away from ensuring they compete for major honours again next term.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he stated that while Alvarez appears destined for Barcelona, acquiring him would transform the squad dramatically, providing a world-class frontman to complement their exceptional defenders and midfielders. He suggested this would elevate Arsenal beyond mere Premier League champions and position them as genuine Champions League contenders, requiring only that spark in attack.
Arteta faced direct questions regarding the possibility of signing a player comparable to Alvarez following the Gunners’ commanding 3-0 victory over recently promoted Coventry City on Friday evening.
The Arsenal manager responded: As previously mentioned, I am thoroughly pleased with the squad at our disposal, and our primary objective is developing the players already within our ranks, given that we already possess numerous strong options.