Arsenal have completed two signings so far this summer, whilst being linked with a huge number of targets, and the inevitable end is looking an ominous one.
So far, we have signed highly influential midfielder Granit Xhaka to our ranks, and his input is expected to be quite big this season, although many Gunners had little knowledge of the Switzerland international prior to him joining.
The 23 year-old agreed his move prior to playing within the European Championships, and he had an impressive tournament, highlighting his potential to play a big role for Arsenal in the coming season.
Xhaka comes in to fill a hole in the squad left by the departures of Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky, who all left at the end of last season when their respective contracts terminated.
The only other arrival has come in the shape of another unknown star, Takuma Asano, from Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Japan. The 21 year-old is not expected to be a regular in the first-team, but the position he plays in is one which looks in desperate need of strengthening, and his record of 14 goals in 60 J League outings is not one which will excite our fans all that much.
We have been snubbed by the likes of Jamie Vardy already this summer, and our striker hunt is growing increasingly likely to end without a top addition, although there is still plenty of time in order to sign someone.
Alexandre Lacazette is one of the remaining options for capture this summer, although we are believed to have baulked at Lyon’s asking price, while other targets Gonzalo Higuain, Mauro Icardi and Gabriel Santos are all expected to make moves to other clubs instead.
Arsene Wenger is known for having signed midfielders to his camp, despite other areas needing strengthening more desperately, and with Riyad Mahrez, Marcelo Brozovic and Arda Turan all being linked currently, that could once again be the case.
The French boss has already stated he wanted no more than three signings this window, and Asano, Xhaka and another midfielder will certainly not be enough.
I believe a centre-back and a striker are wholly necessary this summer, and a failure to add up top will hamper us in my honest opinion.
Does the Vardy snub prove Wenger is working hard on a proven goalscorer? Are we destined for a typical Arsenal window of midfield signings over necessary ones? With the odd signing with the potential to be something added to distract us from the worrying truth…