Arsenal planning to sign at least four players this summer including "world-class" player linked with Chelsea

Arsenal are planning on signing at least four players this summer to help cope with the Champions League next season, according to reports.

The Gunners are enjoying an excellent campaign under Mikel Arteta and look destined to qualify for the Champions League next season, barring an almighty slip-up.

They have the opportunity to go five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a win over Everton on Wednesday evening.

Arteta added Jacub Kiwior, Leandro Trosssard and Jorginho to the squad in January. However, the Spaniard has plans to sign a further two midfielders, a winger and a left back this summer, as per The Times.

Arsenal's transfer plans revealed

Declan Rice has been earmarked as Granit Xhaka's potential successor, with the West Ham midfielder heavily linked with a move to the Emirates.

Journalist Gary Jacobs told The Times that Arsenal are 'confident of beating Chelsea' to his signature, with the west London club also keen on the England international.

Jacobs stated that the Rice could cost £80million after he rejected several contracts at the Hammers, confirming his desire to play in the Champions League.

Arteta could also return for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, after they saw two bids rejected for the 21-year-old in January.

The report claims that the club may use Kieran Tierney as a way to fund their transfers, with Newcastle thought to be interested in the Scottish left back.

The 25-year-old has been limited to just four Premier League starts this season, with Oleksandr Zinchenko first-choice in that position.

Meanwhile, it is said that midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, who currently is on loan at Crystal Palace, and Nuno Tavares, the full back on loan at Marseilles, could both be sold this summer.

Furthermore, Arteta will have a decision to make on Emile Smith Rowe's future, who hasn't been a part of the team this season due to undergoing surgery on his groin.

Whilst the club will also have to resolve Folarin Balogun's situation. The striker, who is on loan at Reims, has lit up France this season, becoming Ligue 1's second highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe.

Balogun is likely to want to play first team football, with both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order at the Emirates.

The Englishman is bound to have a whole host of clubs queuing up for his services in the summer and Arsenal may look to cash in on that interest.