Ex-Arsenal midfielder Michael Thomas is hopeful that the Gunners can bring in four players in the summer in a bit to close the gap on Liverpool, another of his former clubs.
There may only be four points separating the pair going into their meeting on Saturday evening at the Emirates Stadium, but in recent years the Reds have got used to challenging for honours while the Gunners have been left behind.
Thomas hopes Mikel Arteta is the man to change that, and is happy with the progress he’s overseeing.
“Credit where it’s due, Arteta looks like he is bringing back what it means to play for the shirt. He has a no-nonsense policy,” he told Goal.com.
“But it’s going to take time and good recruitment to close the gap that has opened up. Liverpool are on a different level of the process right now.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I do believe, however, that except for Manchester City, Arsenal are very capable of beating all the teams above them right now. But can they perform week in, week out? That’s what we need to see.”
Thomas says both full-back areas and midfield is where Arsenal need to strengthen, and has four names in mind.
“Credit where it’s due, Arteta looks like he is bringing back what it means to play for the shirt. He has a no-nonsense policy,” he said.
“But it’s going to take time and good recruitment to close the gap that has opened up. Liverpool are on a different level of the process right now.
(Image: NurPhoto/PA Images)
“I think a right-back is needed and I am liking the links with [Achraf] Hakimi at Inter.
“I saw him at Dortmund and thought this guy has an engine with some quality.
“Cover at left-back is essential.
“[Kieran] Tierney is fantastic and seems to only be getting better, but someone with experience who can still offer something, like [Ryan] Bertrand, would be good in there.
“Yves Bissouma of Brighton would be my pick for a partner to Thomas Partey in central midfield.
“Both are solid, can use the ball well and are 90-minute players.
“Finally, keep [Martin] Odegaard! He has great vision and works extremely well.”
