Mikel Arteta's two-man wishlist suggests Arsenal days are numbered for cut-price signing

Mikel Arteta’s project at Arsenal revolves around signing young talents and developing them into stars, but the Spaniard may have already given up on Nuno Tavares.

The Gunners have finished fifth in the Premier League season, finishing two points out of the top four after self-destructing towards the end of the campaign and sacrificing Champions League football. Instead, North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur will be playing in the top European competition.

Arteta has insisted that his squad have exceeded expectations, but missing out on the fourth spot will certainly leave the team feeling underwhelmed. And the manager appears to already be set about rejigging his squad and cutting out those who he does not feel are up to scratch.

Tutto Mercato Web report that Arsenal are very interested in signing Getafe left-back Mathias Olivera, though Napoli appear to be leading the race for the 24-year-old. And Olivera is not the only left-back that the club have been linked with over the past few weeks, as Scotland international Aaron Hickey has been tipped to leave Bologna for Arsenal as well.

With that in mind, Tavares may already forced out of the exit at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have clearly identified that the left-back position is one that needs improved options and one that Arteta is unhappy with.

First choice left-back Kieran Tierney was one of Arsenal’s key players this season and his absence through injury hit the team hard, and Tavares failed to step up when called upon. Since arriving from Benfica last summer for just £8million, many have questioned if the 22-year-old is good enough for the Gunners.

He has struggled defensively and looked more suited to playing higher up the pitch rather than on the left of a