Arsenal have to back up a good season in the league by strengthening their squad further

THERE is so much to think about in terms of Arsenal’s end-of-season race to the finish line and a battle royale for the domestic game’s top honour with Manchester City – but the club is already considering who could be brought in over the summer to keep the momentum going.

The Gunners know that even though they have had a thrilling season and emerged as contenders for an unlikely Premier League crown under Mikel Arteta, standing still in the transfer market could undo all the progress that has been made.

Chelsea have already spent a huge wadge of cash on new players under new owner Todd Boehly and Manchester United are expected to go big with the chequebook too as they plot their own return to the top under Erik ten Hag, and next year’s league season is likely to be far more competitive than a two-horse race.

This could trigger a summer arms race between the top clubs, especially with more Champions League cash to splash.

And it has already, according to reports in Italy, led Arsenal to scout around for more forwards with Leeds United’s exciting young talent Wilfried Gnonto now on the radar. Gazetta, the football special pink-papered newspaper, report that they are among several clubs interested in signing the pacy 19-year-old. Other suitors include Chelsea.

The Italian press take a close interest because he is considered one of the stars of the future for their own national team and has been already been capped at senior level eight times, scoring once.

It was considered a steal for Leeds United when the Yorkshire club snatched him from Zurich in September on a five-year-old deal. Leeds are by no means safe from relegation, however, and Gnonto would be anxious to stay in the top flight if that happened. The Elland Road club would be able to demand a big price too.

Arsenal also have a decision to make on Folarin Balogun, who has relished his chance on loan at Reims at France and will want his opportunity in an Arsenal shirt in the 2023-24 season. If not offered a chance, there are a queue of clubs that are interested in taking him, although Reims have already admitted that they are unlikely to have him in their line-up next term.