Arsenal should certainly dip a toe or two in the transfer market this summer but does that mean the current crop is hopeless and can't be used efficiently next season.
We think it doesn't. Arsenal have a squad chock-full of players, some of them young and high on quality. So we decided to look at who the unlikely heroes for Mikel Arteta might be next season.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
The Englishman's versatility, age and athleticism are all very welcome in at least two positions at Arsenal he can cover: right-back and central midfield.
We are not so sure he'll get many chances in central midfield, even Big Sam conceded that Ains needs to knuckle down and grab every opportunity to play that comes his way - but Niles should be eyeing up that right-back spot.
Arsenal have been linked with several right-backs but we are not sure we'll go for them at prices quoted. Ains could prove that fabled internal solution, if he gets back into Mikel Arteta's good books.
Lucas Torreira
We are short in central midfield, to state the bleeding obvious. Gwendo is most definitely leaving, his behavior won't be tolerated by a disciplinarian as strict as Mikel Arteta. Joe Willock is too insecure in his passing to play in a double pivot.
Step up, Lucas Torreira. A tidy and surprisingly progressive passer and a true shield for the defence when played in front of it. His redemption will allow to play Partey higher up the pitch too and not be bogged down with helping the back four all of the time.
He's certainly viewed more favourably by Arteta than some of his colleagues and was given quite a bit of game time when the Spaniard took over. His comments on Atletico and Boca Juniors will make a comeback hard though.
Folarin Balogun
We need a target man more effective than Alex Lacazette - who might be on his way out. We need a plan B in case Aubameyang fades away. And we are not yet sure Gabi Martinelli can be that man.
Can Balogun become one though? We did sign him on a long-term deal, which suggests there's a plan for his development in place, a pathway to the first team.
The youngster showed good strength, decent heading abilities and great hold-up qualities during a few short cameos in the Europa League. Rather than buying Odsonne Edouard to close Balogun's path to the senior side, give Flo some minutes, Mik.
