Michael Thomas urges Arsenal to sign Achraf Hakimi and Yves Bissouma

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Arsenal legend Michael Thomas has urged his former club to complete a number of summer deals, in order to ensure they can fight for Champions League spots next season.

Thomas believes the Gunners need to sign a number of players in key areas, and has highlighted linked stars such as Yves Bissouma, Ryan Bertrand, and Achraf Hakimi as ideal signings.

All three have been mentioned in recent months, and Thomas, speaking to Goal, believes they’ll be brilliant additions to Arsenal.

“I think a right-back is needed and I am liking the links with [Achraf] Hakimi at Inter. I saw him at Dortmund and thought this guy has an engine with some quality,” Thomas said.

“Cover at left-back is essential. [Kieran] Tierney is fantastic and seems to only be getting better, but someone with experience who can still offer something, like Ryan Bertrand, would be good in there. Yves Bissouma of Brighton would be my pick for a partner to Thomas Partey in central midfield. Both are solid, can use the ball well and are 90-minute players.”

The Gunners will, however, face a fight to land any of those players. Hakimi is playing well with Inter Milan, while Bissouma has been watched by Liverpool as well. Finally, Bertrand is an experienced Premier League player who is bound to be courted by many.

Arsenal take on Liverpool this evening as they return from the international break.

TBR View: Good picks from Thomas, but a lot depends on money

While Thomas hasn’t pointed out anyone out of the norm, the problem for Arsenal will come down to who they can afford.

Champions League qualification could be a huge difference maker for them, both in terms of finances and enticing players through the door.

Bissouma is the one that stands out. Arsenal are lacking in the middle of the park and have long been after a better version of Granit Xhaka.