Arsenal, much like the other big Premier League clubs, have gotten off to a slow start during the transfer period. Although Brazilian teenage prospect Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly set to join the north London outfit, the Gunners have yet to make a senior summer signing. This short delay, however, should not alarm Arsenal fans just yet.

There is wide speculation that the club is waiting to make an official signing until their new Adidas deal comes into place on July 1st. It would not make much sense to announce a fresh signing with the player sporting the old 2018/19 Puma kits. This concept is nothing new for Arsenal. When the team transitioned from Nike to Puma in 2014, the Gunners did not make an official transfer until the day the new kit was unveiled (Alexis Sanchez in July of 2014).

Along with the new Adidas kits, Arsenal also need to sort out their finances before making major decisions on incoming player transfers. It is widely reported that the club’s brass has around £40-45 million set aside for player purchases. This does not, however, include any player sales that may occur during this summer. It would certainly give the club a better understanding on where to splurge cash after they make money on an outgoing transfer (or transfers).

Determining which Arsenal players could depart the club this summer gets tricky. Shkodran Mustafi, Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Carl Jenkinson, Laurent Koscielny, and Mohamed Elneny are all somewhat logical choices to help raise funds for additional incoming players. Though Arsenal may choose to put some of these players up for sale, it does not necessarily mean that they will in fact sell.

SEE MORE: Schedule of Arsenal games on US TV and streaming

Mustafi, in particular, is widely considered to be on the chopping block. Nevertheless, it is not guaranteed that a European club will make a significant bid for a struggling center back on a £90k-per-week salary. A potential Mesut Ozil transfer is even more difficult due to his astronomical weekly wages as well. Big money moves by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka, and Lucas Torreira have also been speculated as of late, but these important players appear likely to remain in north London.

Regardless of player sales, the Gunners need to buy in four or five different positions this summer. Center back, left back, and a backup right back to Hector Bellerin are all essential, while a central midfielder and a wide playmaker are also needed at the club. Which particular players Arsenal choose to fill these roles certainly depends on how much money they can accumulate over the next few weeks. Nevertheless, a marquee signing or two in defense will most likely be in the cards for the club.