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Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has admitted that his roster is still "short" and lacking in "depth and quality" while making just one signing that looks to be an upgrade - while Liverpool has already signed five starting-quality players.
The Gunners managed to do what the Reds could not in finally convincing Martin Zubimendi to leave Spain, with the midfielder having agreed to join Liverpool last season before changing his mind and remaining with Real Sociedad. He joined Arsenal this offseason for $75 million.
And while Arsenal has spent $91 million on three other signings, none of the them look likely to be starters in their best line-up being added for depth. Noni Madueke has joined from Chelsea, likely to be insurance for Bukayo Saka - both being right-wingers. Meanwhile, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga have also signed as back-up options. The club is also close to signing Cristhian Mosquera as a back-up center-back.
Their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres and Rodrygo had been widely reported, with the Gunners looking to have been priced out of a move for the latter - while yet to land their preferred number nine in the Swedish striker, which appears to have the Spanish coach somewhat frustrated.
Arsenal's head coach has admitted he wants to see further additions, acknowledging that they still have work to do, although they have already begun their preseason.
He said: "In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market.
"Until that happens, [we] focus on the players we have - and I'm very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10 to 15 days."
He added: "It's like shaking the tree again. New faces... they bring new excitement, new energy as well. We signed very important players as well. I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to different level and it's what we are seeking."
Meanwhile, Arne Slot's Reds has already made six signings, with a seventh believed to be almost wrapped up in Hugo Ekitike joining for $93 million.
Ekitike is to join up with Liverpool on their preseason tour in Hong Kong and Japan, joining fellow new additions in Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and their three new goalkeepers in Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman.
Woodman is likely to be third-choice goalkeeper with Pecsi in the youth set-up, while Mamardashvili will compete with Alisson Becker - while almost certain to be the back-up.
But Wirtz, Kerkez, Frimpong and Ekitike all look to be starting quality additions, being with the team for several weeks while already playing in preseason games - having ample time with the squad to ready themselves ahead of the new campaign.
Arsenal will hope to wrap up Gyokeres sooner rather than later. If not, he is unlikely to have too much time with the team prior to the season, unless he's able to join while on their tour in Asia over the next 10 days.
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