Finally entering a season not under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, there is perhaps reason for cautious optimism for Gunners fans. That said, a couple more additions before their opening game against Manchester City could be invaluable.

Arsenal will be looking to avoid a repeat of their clash against Manchester City last season, in which they went down 3-0 to Guardiola's Sky Blues.

Manchester City are a side dripping in talent. Arsenal will need to be organised and on top of their game to stop City's attacking talent. With the likes of Leroy Sane and Kevin De Bruyne making surging runs forward, a defensively-minded midfielder breaking up play in going to be crucial for the Emirates outfit.

Arsenal will need to press Manchester City and stop them playing their natural game. If they allow Man City to relax into the game, they will punish them with their relentless passing game. All too often under Arsene Wenger, the Gunners were a soft touch defensively.

With that in mind, Emery needs to ensure these two stars join Arsenal before the opening Premier League clash against Man City...

The 22-year-old Ivorian centre-back has been a key player for Bundesliga side Mainz in recent seasons.

The defender is rated as being worth £13.5m by Transfermarkt.

The energy of Gbamin would be crucial against Manchester City. Unai Emery has so far moved to bring in experienced defenders such as Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Stephan Lichsteiner, both aged 30 or older. The energy of Gbamin as the back would prove useful coming up against the creative Manchester City attack, who require constant tracking runs.

Unai Emery should do everything to bring the player in before the Gunners face Manchester City.

Nzonzi is a player so highly-rated he made it into the star-filled French national side, who won the World Cup in Russia.

Playing a crucial role at La Liga side Sevilla in recent seasons, Nzonzi is no stranger to the Premier League. The French defensive midfielder spent time with both Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City before moving to Spain.

The Daily Express report Arsenal may use Aaron Ramsey in a swap deal to bring Nzonzi to the Emirates.

Steven Nzonzi would play a crucial role against Manchester City, as he has the energy to keep closing down City players until the final whistle. Furthermore, he will also break up play and stop Manchester City from settling in to the game.