Arsenal must priortise three transfers this summer as shortcomings exposed

With the Champions League exit fresh in the minds of everyone associated with Arsenal, there is time for reflection on what might've been as they failed to reach the semi-finals. Under Mikel Arteta, there has been gradual improvement for the Gunners as they look to push Manchester City and Liverpool to the wire in the Premier League.

In Europe, it could be a case of what might've been. Real Madrid would've been the opponents in the final four, after beating Manchester City on penalties, but they will look to deep dive on Bayern Munich following Wednesday's elimination.

Joshua Kimmich scored the decisive goal in a 3-2 aggregate win for Thomas Tuchel's side. While refereeing decisions overshadowed the tie, Arsenal ended their torrid run of being knocked out in the Round of 16 in their first campaign back in Europe's elite competition.

Last season proved to be a testing one for Arsenal as they exceeded expectations - sitting at the summit for most of the campaign before fading in the title race with Man City. This season, there is a new aura around the Emirates Stadium and, in particular, how Arsenal perform as well as win games.

Although, the defeat to Aston Villa has raised questions. Unai Emery's side withstood pressure from the hosts and worked hard for their goals but the aftermath has posed a number of solutions that were amplified against Bayern.

Too much onus on Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka has been one of the main talking points on social media as rivals poke fun at the England international. Arsenal fans know of his importance as he is a cherished member of the squad - with the added gloss of being a London Colney academy graduate.

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Liverpool's title-winning side saw the front three barely rotated with Klopp enduring luck on the treatment table as Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane thrived to end the Merseysider's wait for top-flight success. Manchester City, on the other hand, have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to attacking prowess.

Somewhere between the two, Arsenal have to find that happy medium. What is abundantly clear is that Saka has been overplayed and has already made 42 appearances in all competitions but the options to support him on the right-side are limited.

In the summer, there is a lot of onus on Arsenal to bolster their squad but they must also look to the attacking right position to relieve the pressure on Saka to let him thrive.

Struggles post-Granit Xhaka

When Martin Odegaard struggles, Arsenal suffer. While Declan Rice has been an inspired addition to the Gunners, there has been a lot of change on the left.

Rice has been deployed to supplement the position in a left-sided midfield role, while Odegaard has alternated between the two roles. Since Granit Xhaka's departure in the summer, accompanied with injuries in the middle, Arsenal have suffered to cement a solid base in midfield.

As Arteta has been forced to frequently make changes in the midfield, it has had a negative effect on the rhythm as well as the system. Martinelli has struggled in recent games with the lack of rhythm between his teammates with the defeat to Bayern Munich extending his profligacy in front of goal.

With the summer window on the horizon, there's an opportunity for Arsenal to implement their scouting base to find a well-rounded player who can make a difference going forward and defensively too in the left-sided centre-midfield position. Should it be a success, the continuity in midfield will ease pressure on those starting and benefit their output.

A different approach to Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus' goalscoring record in the red of Arsenal is no secret. Sunday's defeat to Aston Villa marked another goalless return extending his drought to five appearances in the Premier League.

In 22 appearances in the top-flight, Jesus has netted just four times as the need for an out-and-out goalscorer increases. The modern influx of false nines has come and gone, with Jesus enjoying a trophy-laden spell in that role for Man City.

But even the Premier League champions have been forced to change tact, signing poacher Erling Haaland - who eclipsed goalscoring records in his debut season.

Leandro Trossard has been enlisted as one of the best finishers in North London but there is the telling fact that he is a second-choice left-winger behind Martinelli. The Belgian international has been superb in his substitute cameo appearances but his impact shines a negative light on the recruitment and the lack of foresight to make the move for a talisman up front.