Mikel Arteta: Arsenal are preparing for a 'big' transfer window

With nine games remaining, the Gunners sit 12 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, making a title challenge increasingly unlikely.

Mikel Arteta's side has struggled with attacking depth, largely due to injuries to key players such as Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. As a result, Arsenal are prioritising reinforcements in the forward positions.

A new striker is high on their agenda, with Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres, Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko all emerging as potential targets.

Arsenal have lacked a consistent goal-scoring presence this season, and bringing in a prolific number nine could be crucial for their ambitions.

In midfield, Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is a key target, with Arsenal keen to add a composed, defensive-minded player to complement their existing options.

Meanwhile, Athletic Club's Nico Williams is being considered to bolster the wide areas, providing much-needed cover and competition for Saka.

"It's going to be a big [summer] and we are very excited about it," Arteta told a press conference.

"When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.

"Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now that is necessary.

"But it's a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team."