The north Londoners are already five points behind top spot just two games into the season, having lost to Liverpool before drawing with champions Leicester City.
The Gunners have been struck with injuries once again, forcing Wenger to start the season opener with the young and inexperienced duo Calum Chambers and Rob Holding in the centre of defence.
Per Mertesacker, Aaron Ramsey, Gabriel and Danny Welbeck are some of those casualties among a growing list of injured players.
Some are short term, but others are out until 2017 at the earliest.
Will Wenger wait for his squad to return to full strength or will he make a move before next week’s deadline? Will he sign the world-class striker that has evaded him all summer?
Click the right arrow, above, to see the latest stars to be linked with moves to and from the Emirates in recent days and comment below with who you would like to see in an Arsenal shirt this season…
1. Lucas Perez, striker – Deportivo de La Coruña: Click the right arrow, above, to find out the latest Arsenal transfer news – Arsenal have beaten Everton in the race to sign Deportivo striker Lucas Perez, talkSPORT understands. The Toffees looked to be closing in on a £15m deal for the Spaniard, but the Gunners swopped, offering £17m for his signature. He will travel to London immediately to undergo his medical, completing the formalities of his move to the Emirates. The 27-year-old scored 17 goals and registered eight assists in 36 La Liga appearances last season.2. Shkodran Mustafi, defender – Valencia – If you have not heard this one, where have you been? One of the long, drawn out transfer sagas of the summer features Arsenal and Mustafi. Wenger has admitted his interest in signing the Germany international, still only 24, and the asking price for his services is going up. The Evening Standard suggests the Liga club were happy to do a deal for £30m, but now they want Arsenal to activate the £43million release clause in Mustafi's contract at the Mestalla. The Premier League club will be hoping Valencia will back down so they can meet UEFA's Financial Fairplay rules. On Wednesday night, Sky Sports News presenter Kaveh Solhekol tweeted: Mustafi & agent met Valencia officials yesterday. Told he can leave if adequate offer made. Suggestion Arsenal deal could be agreed at £26m.3. Islam Slimani, forward – Sporting Lisbon – After failing in their pursuit of Jamie Vardy, Wenger could now turn his attentions to Lisbon striker Slimani. The 28-year-old Algerian is apparently keen on a move to the Premier League and, after scoring 32 goals in 42 appearances for club and country last term, it will be interesting to see if he can hold his own. The Express reports Arsenal have made contact about a £25m move, but they are £5m short of the Portuguese clubs evaluation.4. Calum Chambers, defender – Arsenal – Despite Arsenal lack of defensive options, its claimed Calum Chambers could be allowed to leave the club on loan. The Daily Mail report Arsene Wenger believes the England Under-21 international needs regular playing time elsewhere to aid his development, suggesting his role at the Emirates would remain limited this season, even with Gabriel Paulista and Per Mertesacker currently injured. Wenger, though, will only encourage a temporary exit for the former Southampton defender. West Bromwich Albion, Hull City, Stoke City and Sunderland are all said to be interested, while a number of Championship are monitoring his situation, too.5. Marcel Tisserand, defender – AS Monaco – Arsenal have, according to reports in the Mirror, made contact with Monaco over versatile Monaco defender Marcel Tisserand. But they arent alone in their interest. Its claimed defending Premier League champions Leicester City have also enquired over the 23-year-olds availability and could make an offer. He has caught the eye in Ligue 1 and is allegedly keen on a move to England.6. Jose Gimenez, defender – Atletico Madrid – The Gunners are reportedly interested in Atleticos Uruguayan defender. At just 21, he has already proved himself to be a key asset for club and country, playing 42 games in total last season. Even though he could be seen as a long-term investment, Sky Sports report Atletico value him at £56m, which could be an issue for Arsenal.7. Alexandre Lacazette, forward – Lyon – According to the Independent, the France and Lyon striker is set to stay put, despite Arsenal interest. The Gunners failed to meet the asking price when they submitted a £29m bid earlier this summer and Lyon president chairman Jean-Michel Aulas expects the 25-year-old to stay until the end of the season.8. Jonny Evans, defender – West Bromwich Albion – Reports suggested Arsenal have registered an interest in the former Manchester United defender. Some outlets suggested West Brom have slapped a £25m price tag on Evans, but talkSPORT understands otherwise. According to sources, the claims are not true and the Northern Irishman is going nowhere.9. Phil Jones, defender – Manchester United – When Jones left Blackburn in 2011, he nearly joined Arsenal. Could he be making the move five years later? The Gunners currently need a centre-back and, with the 24-year-old seemingly out of the picture at Old Trafford, the north Londoners have made an enquiry. But, according to the London Evening Standard, Jose Mourinho is refusing to do business with old rival Arsene Wenger. But if Southampton's Jose Fonte moves to the Red Devils, they may look to get England defender Jones off the books.10. Mathieu Debuchy, defender – Arsenal – After Hector Bellerins emergence at the Emirates in recent years, French defender Debuchy is surplus to requirements in north London. He has been close to an exit all summer but the Daily Mail claims the player has rejected a move to Serie A giants Roma. He spent half of last season on loan at Bordeaux but Arsenals asking price was too much for the Ligue 1 club to make his move permanent. With all the injury problems in north London, is there a way back for the 31-year-old?
