Arsenal are believed to be targeting two positions in next summer's transfer period.

The Gunners were proactive in the previous window, recruiting Thomas Partey, Gabriel and Willian.

But Sunday's 3-0 loss to Aston Villa leaves Mikel Arteta's side sitting mid-table after four wins in their first eight Premier League games.

The team needs to keep improving, and Arteta has identified which areas would benefit from new talent.

It is no secret the Spaniard tried to sign a creative midfielder this past summer, with Lyon's Houssem Aouar rejecting a move to the Emirates.

Aouar is still a target, but RB Salzburg's Dominik Szoboszlai is also being considered.

And with Sokratis, David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi expected to leave next summer, The Athletic claims Arteta will be targeting a right-sided centre-half.

Arteta is said to be unconvinced with the long-term potential of Rob Holding and Calum Chambers, and new signing William Saliba is considered too raw.

RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano has long been a target for Arsenal, but they would face serious competition from Manchester United and Liverpool.