Arsenal: Arsene Wenger confirms he is in the market to sign three players

Arsene Wenger has revealed that he wants to sign three players in the upcoming summer transfer window so as to help Arsenal challenge for the title next season. The Gunners are to play Aston Villa on the final day of the campaign with a chance to finish above Tottenham should Spurs lose their game against Newcastle United.

A nine-month setback for Danny Welbeck is unlikely to alter Wenger's plans for the summer but he is insistent that they will have a busy transfer window, especially with the deficiencies in the squad. Granit Xhaka is believed to be closest to making the move to north London while there are likely to be additions in defence and in attack.

Theo Walcott's future is also on the line following his failure to deliver this season, with West Ham firm favourites to land the 27-year-old. However, Wenger has revealed that he will not go for a squad overhaul and only bring in players who can add quality to the side.

"We want to keep the squad stable over the summer while strengthening where possible," Wenger said, as quoted by Evening Standard. "You want the group to be stimulated and to believe that we have improved the quality.

"I must say, we want to combine technical stability with players that we know want to play and know our game. Maybe bring in three players for example. That's the right level for me."

The Gunners have a few departures lined up, with club captain Mikel Arteta on his way out following the expiry of his contract while Tomas Rosicky is leaving the Emirates after completing 10 years with the London giants. Arteta missed the entirety of this season with multiple injuries and is likely to pursue a coaching role if he decides to hang up his boots.

"I would just like to thank you all so much for the way in which you've supported me during my time here. It's been a huge honour, a privilege, and I can only promise that I've done my best," Arteta said in Arsenal's programme notes.

"I tried to behave in the most professional way and maximise the resources we have. I'm at peace with that. Our ambition this season was to win the Premier League and we're so disappointed that we came short with that aim, because it's not good enough for this club.

"But I'll always be proud that I was able to help give the fans some trophies, which they had been waiting for a long time for. Winning two FA Cups in a row was special but for me, it's not enough for a club like this. It shouldn't be the ambition.

"Hopefully the new generation will be better than us and will become fantastic leaders and heroes here."