Aaron Ramsey

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has revealed that Arsenal may seek to reinforce three positions during the summer transfer window. The north London side have endured another frustrating season in the Premier League where they only managed fifth but that may not necessarily encourage a spending spree, given the limited budget set by the board.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Sheth revealed that the Gunners’ transfer kitty for the summer could be enhanced by the qualification for the Champions League. He added that a goalkeeper, a winger and a midfielder for the departing Aaron Ramsey remain the prime focus for this season’s Europa League finalists.

He said: “Arsenal’s transfer plans will, in part, be dependent on Champions League qualification. They face Chelsea in the Europa League final knowing victory means qualification to Europe’s premier competition. As Cech is retiring, Emery is expected to be in the market for a new goalkeeper to challenge Bernd Leno. Emery is also likely to seek a replacement for Juventus-bound Aaron Ramsey and could add to his attacking options after deciding against offering striker Danny Welbeck a new contract.”

Meanwhile, the defence has been a prime area of concern for the Gunners through the ongoing campaign but Sheth has indicated that may not be a priority for the summer, considering Emery is due to welcome the likes of Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding from injuries next season while Calum Chambers will likewise return following a season-long loan at Fulham.

Arsenal are scheduled to face Chelsea in the Europa League final in Baku at the end of the month and the match could have a major say on their transfer proceedings for the summer. The Gunners failed to qualify for the Champions League through their domestic division but they can make it happen by lifting the Europa League crown.