With the summer transfer market now in full swing, and with Arsene Wenger reportedly handed a major transfer kitty to turn things round, it’s time to take a look at the areas that need improving and the players that could make the difference.

A 3-4-3 tactic worked wonders for Antontio Conte’s Chelsea last year, yet the Gunners are still ranked as title outsiders for next season at 14/1 despite their late-campaign switch to echo the Blues’ approach. Either way, if you like a punt, make sure you’re aware of the matchedbets.com method.

Wenger’s already made some inroads by confirming the free transfer of left-back Sead Kolasinac. The ex-Schalke man brings with him some impressive stats – he topped the assists chart for defenders in the Bundesliga last term and bagged three goals – and also hints at the continued change in formation to 3-4-3.

A shrewd signing, and one for the future, would be the capture of Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford. Whilst Petr Cech is still number one at the Emirates, a few poor performances have led to rumblings that Wenger is in the market for a long-term replacement. Pickford had a solid season at the relegated Black Cats, saving them on numerous occasions, and could learn a great deal as Cech’s understudy for a year before filling his boots – or, rather, gloves – the year after.

Whilst Olivier Giroud has recently said that he’s happy to remain at the club, there are still serious doubts over the future of Alexis Sanchez. Losing the Chilean would mean losing a 30-goal striker – something which would have to be addressed. One man who’s been heavily linked is Alexandre Lacazette. The prolific Frenchman – who scored 36 goals in all competitions for Lyon last term – would help soften the blow of a possible Sanchez exit. He’s said that he would be interested in a move to the Premier League, and with Atletico Madrid pulling out due to their transfer ban, the Gunners are leading the race.

It’s still uncertain when Santi Cazorla will be returning to first team football, and the side has really struggled without his creativity and linking play this year. For that reason, Wenger needs to target a player who can influence a game in the same way. Whilst James Rodriguez would add star quality, it looks likely that he’ll move to West London. An interesting proposition, therefore, could be 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkey international is a master at playing between the lines and can also drop deep to influence the game – much like Cazorla does.

Finally, Wenger would do well to strengthen the defence, especially if he is to continue with three central defenders. He could take advantage of Liverpool’s failed attempt to sign Virgil van Dijk – the Southampton centre-back who made no errors leading to goals last season.

Whatever happens, it looks set to be a busy transfer window for the Gunners, and arguably one of the most important in recent years.