Mikel Arteta explains how Arsenal's summer transfer window will work

The Gunners boss is constantly looking ahead and already has a plan for how Arsenal will tackle the summer transfer window.

Mikel Arteta has revealed he will very much be involved in Arsenal's summer transfer dealings.

The Gunners boss is already looking ahead to the next window despite the winter one slamming shut two weeks ago.

The Spaniard oversaw loan deals for Brazil defender Pablo Mari and Southampton full-back Cedric Soares.

Only Mari could represent a long-term option, should his move prove successful, with Soares fully expected to return to the south coast at the end of the season.

Arsenal are still in need of defensive reinforcements both at the back and in midfield as Arteta aims to get the Gunners back on track.

"We have to plan and we need to know the direction we want to head and with that we need to bear in mind different scenarios and with that in mind," Arteta said.

"I have to tell the club what we need, where we think we can improve and where we want to end.

"And if we all end with the same thing, we put a plan together to try and execute it and make the process as short as possible."

Arteta is also looking past next summer - and is hoping that he can tie younger players down, like Bukayo Sako, on longer-term deals.

"I am really happy with how the young players are developing," Arteta said. "Part of that developing is to improve the contract and to tie them to the club.

"But that has to follow a natural process.

"We have Edu, we have Raul Sanllehi, Vinai Venkatesham and Huss Fahmy who are in charge of that.

"I am sure we will do the right thing when players deserve to improve and extend their contracts."