After leading the pack for 248 days, Mikel Arteta's team experienced a memorable collapse towards the close of the 2022-23 term. However, the 2023-24 campaign was another significant period of progress for the team.
Arsenal was again compelled to accept a runners-up finish to Manchester City last season.
However, they were still in contention for their first title since the 2003-04 Invincibles season, and they reached gameweek 38 in contention.
Unfortunately, their prospects of glory were dashed when the Citizens defeated West Ham United.
Since then, the Gunners have signed two permanent agreements in the transfer market: David Raya returned from his Brentford loan.
Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori was acquired from Bologna for a reported £42m.
Sporting director Edu is also believed to be pursuing a £30m deal for Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino, with whom the Gunners have previously agreed to personal terms.
However, they are currently in the process of negotiating a payment structure with their Spanish counterparts.
Petit: "Arsenal require a new striker and midfielder this summer."
Arsenal was previously expected to invest significantly in a striker this summer.
However, their plans have been postponed due to Gabriel Jesus's return to full fitness and Kai Havertz's success in the latter half of last season.
Nevertheless, Petit, the 1997-98 Premier League title winner, believes that Arteta should be focusing on bolstering his attacking capabilities and resolving the midfield and wide positions in an interview with Sports Mole via BetVictor.
"This [midfield] is one area in which they should improve, as well as the striker position."
The Frenchman suggested that the team could benefit from adding an offensive midfielder or a winger who could provide competition and assist in the team's revival.
"Playing every three days is a challenging experience, both mentally and physically. We have observed some players becoming fatigued after the season." Arsenal must enhance this aspect to contend with City.
Arsenal pursued Martin Zubimendi, his defensively inclined teammate, before focusing on Merino, who predominantly serves as a number eight.
However, the Spaniard ultimately declined offers from Liverpool and the Gunners, opting to remain at Sociedad.
Petit urges Arsenal to acquire "one or two" midfielders.
Following Declan Rice's success in a more advanced role last season, the Gunners pursued a new number six.
Thomas Partey and Jorginho frequently alternated in the deeper position, and the latter has now signed a new contract until 2025.
Petit believes adding a few more midfielders would be beneficial even though Partey's contract has only one year remaining, and the Ghanaian is expected to stay.
"Jorginho and Partey are still at the club; they can fulfill the role of a holding player." The 53-year-old continued, "I do not wish to observe Declan Rice in a holding midfielder role; however, I believe he is well-suited to a number eight position."
"I am uncertain whether the priority will be a holding midfielder due to Partey or Jorginho." To enhance the competition for the first XI, they must bring in one or two additional players in the midfield area.
Arsenal will launch their 2024-25 Premier League season with a home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
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