Mikel Arteta must consider how 'world-class' transfer target fits into his Arsenal plans

Mikel Arteta’s recruitment since being appointed as Arsenal manager has been somewhat flawless, but the Spaniard must seriously consider where his priorities lie heading into the summer.

With Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette both out of contract at the end of the season, a striker is top of the shopping list for the North London outfit. A defensive-minded midfielder is also expected to arrive at the Emirates Stadium to slot in alongside Thomas Partey – potentially replacing Granit Xhaka, who is of interest to AS Roma.

But they aren’t the only two positions that Arteta is thought to be keen to recruit in. Arsenal have been linked with a move for attacking playmaker Phillipe Coutinho, adding another no.10 to their ranks.

According to Sport, the Gunners are plotting a move for the Brazilian, who has got his career back on track after making a loan move to Aston Villa. Steven Gerrard’s side are believed to have first dibs on the Barcelona loanee and are able to make the loan move permanent for £33.57million, but Arsenal are preparing a move to steal the former Liverpool star from their grasp.

But questions have to be raised of why Arsenal need Coutinho and how he will slot into their plans. Currently, Arteta has a plethora of creative stars that are thriving from having regular game time in the Premier League, and thus the arrival of one more will push them further down the pecking order.

Coutinho can be deployed as both a left-winger and an attacking midfielder, meaning that he will be competing for a starting spot at the Emirates Stadium with Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard. That trio have all played major roles in the success of Arsenal so far this season, with their youthful sprightliness