Talking point: The ideal summer signings for Arsenal

Arsenal face a major summer ahead as they seek to strengthen their squad and cope with any high-profile departures from the Emirates Stadium, amidst continued speculation surrounding the futures of the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

Likely set for a campaign outside of the Champions League, although the Gunners could still sneak into the top-four courtesy of a win against Everton and a massive hand from already-relegated Middlesbrough, Arsenal are braced for major changes.

Arsene Wenger’s own future in North London also continues to flood the back pages but the likelihood is that he’ll stay for at least another year, building a squad capable of contending next season and beyond- easing the handover from his inevitable departure.

Arsenal’s reported targets in the press are extremely varied and it’s difficult to speculate at this stage who will join the Gunners’ ranks this summer, so we asked a selection of Arsenal influencers on social media who’d they’d sign- you can let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Josh Challies, ArsenalMania Editor (@Challies11)

I don’t think Arsenal’s problems can be solved with just one major signing but it’s important we send out a clear message of intent, especially with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea likely to spend heavily in the close-season.

Our targets will likely depend on whether Alexis and Ozil stay or go but the ideal recruit in my eyes is Karim Benzema, an experienced winner who could finally leave Real Madrid this summer after years of speculation linking him to Arsenal.

Now 29, Benzema is in the prime years of his career but Real Madrid’s search for superstars could see him replaced. Los Blancos are also in the final of the Champions League and securing their third European crown could see Benzema seek a new challenge.

If we were to sign an established, top-class striker like Benzema and then a quality, younger striker to compete with him I think we’d do very well.

Michael Timbs, Copa90 Social Media Content Creator (@MichaelTimbs)

Realistically I’d say Alvaro Morata.

Even though we have strikers, there’s been a feeling since Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin Van Persie left that we just haven’t had the adequate firepower to actually mount a serious title challenge- but I’d also want a goalkeeper and a left back too!

Connor Humm, Journalism Student (@TikiTakaConnor)