Five signings that Unai Emery could make this summer

Stephan Lichtsteiner's free transfer was announced before Switzerland faced Japan in their last friendly before the World Cup in Russia. The Swiss captain was widely expected to join Arsenal in the summer as a free agent after seven years at Juventus. Emery praised the right-back for having ''experience and leadership'', which will be a great addition to the atmosphere in the Arsenal dressing room.

In Arsene Wenger's last season with the club, the Gunners' defense often crumbled under pressure. The team conceded 51 goals, the most among the top seven teams. Improving his side's defense has clearly emerged as the top priority for Emery, as he would have to deliver to the Arsenal fans as soon as the next season begins. After missing out on UEFA Champions League for two consecutive seasons, the fans are eager for the club to return to the first tier European competition as soon as possible.

David Seaman, the club's former goalkeeper, mentioned that Arsenal need to make at least three signings this summer and aim for a return to the top four. Arsenal are yet to sell any of their senior players and the future of Jack Wilshere remains uncertain. With a limited budget, Emery certainly has identified a number of players who he is keen on bringing in to the side. However, it remains to be seen how the negotiations progress and how keen the player is on moving to North London. Here is a look at five signings that Emery could make in the upcoming weeks.

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#5 Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund)

Sokratis is set to be announced as a new signing after 1st of July

The Greek defender is all but confirmed to be joining Arsenal in the summer. Fans have been awaiting the official announcement from the club, but there remains no word on his arrival. Close to a week ago, the player's father mentioned that his son was in England and had snubbed an offer from Manchester United. It seems like the deal is largely completed, but rumors state that Dortmund are waiting for the first of July, when the club will enter the next financial year.

The center-back is particularly strong in passing and emerges strongly in aerial duels. At 30 years of age, Sokratis has played in Greece, Italy, and Germany. It would be the first time that he plays for an English club if the deal goes through. Over his five years with Dortmund, he has made 198 appearances and received a straight red just once. Back in 2017, he was regarded as one of the best defenders in Bundesliga because of his physicality and consistency. His style of play will allow him to quickly adapt to the standard in the Premier League. Additionally, with Greece not playing in this year's World Cup, Sokratis would have the chance to link up with his new team-mates for pre-season games and training.

Arsenal are poised to sign the player for just £16 million. The Arsenal vice-captain, Laurent Koscielny, is set to miss the first half of the season after his Achilles injury in May. Besides that, Shkodran Mustafi was awful for the majority of the past season. The German's popularity among the fans has dropped drastically he could be sold in the summer. Other than Mustafi and Koscielny, Arsenal lack senior center-backs on the team. Hence, getting Sokratis into the team will be a necessary and great addition for the English side.

#4 Yacine Adli (Paris Saint-Germain)

The hot young prospect is likely to be one of Emery's summer signings

The PSG teenager is set to join the Gunners and reunite with his former manager. Under Emery, Adli made a senior appearance once last season. According to PSG's reserve coach, Adli is ''indispensable''. If he does leave the French side, he will be a sore loss to the club.

As an attacking midfielder, Adli will surely receive lots of opportunities to develop in England. The group stage of the Europa League and the initial stages of the domestic cup will serve as a chance for Adli to shine with the rest of the youngsters. With Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey at the heart of the first-team midfield, the French midfielder has many great players to learn from.

Adli is also able to keep the ball close to his feet and spot the runs of other team-mates on the pitch. There are also plenty of Arsenal academy players awaiting their chance to break into the first team. Over the course of the past season, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles all earned their chance to impress. The trio is likely to remain in Emery's plans in the next few seasons and could soon welcome Adli as well. Due to his lack of experience, Adli may first play in the Premier League 2 with Arsenal academy players before making his debut.

#3 Caglar Soyuncu (Freiburg)

Soyuncu has been a regular player for Freiburg

Arsenal are rumored to be closing in on a deal for the Turkish international and the English club could pay £35 million for their target. According to the player's agent, there have been concrete talks but a fee has yet to be agreed. Besides the Gunners, other clubs namely Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are also keen on getting the defender.

During recent international duty, the center-back made a shocking mistake while defending, which eventually led to his side's draw with Russia. Fans were thrown off by the mistake he made and there were doubts over his quality and price tag. However, the player is just 22 years old and has already made over 55 appearances for his club.

Along with Calum Chambers, Rob Holding, and Mavropanos, Soyuncu is set become the next young center-back to join the Gunners. Emery could be seeing him as part of the long-term plans for the club, but signing him does not seem to be a priority as Sokratis' arrival is imminent. Regardless, the Freiburg defender could possibly join the Gunners who are in desperate need for reinforcements in defence.

#2 Gelson Martins (Sporting Lisbon)

Martins' relationship with Sporting Lisbon has turned sour

Arsenal made two £26 million bids for the player but the offers were rejected by Sporting Lisbon. As a result, Martins was reportedly unhappy with his current club. It is now alleged that he has terminated his contract and wants a move away from Portugal. This gives Arsenal an advantage in signing the player, who could possibly join the club on a free transfer.

The 23-year-old was one of the most influential players for Sporting. In 52 appearances for the club, Martins scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists for his team. The right-winger has also attracted attention from Liverpool and Juventus, after his eye-catching performances throughout the season. The Gunners seem to be in pole position to get the player's signature though.

Based on the statistics gathered by WhoScored, the midfielder is strong in holding onto the ball and also with his passing. Over the past season, he amassed an average pass accuracy of 87% and created 31 chances in 23 games. Arsenal brought in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in January, and the attacking force looks stronger than ever. If the Portuguese international does join, he is unlikely to make his debut as early as the first game of the season. However, he can still expect to receive some first-team action particularly in the Europea League and also domestic cup ties. Those will be opportunities for Martins to showcase his ability and also adapt to Emery's managerial style.

#1 Lucas Torreira (Sampdoria)

Torreira is expected to leave Sampdoria

Talks are said to be progressing faster than expected and Torreira could soon be in an Arsenal shirt. Italian journalist, Gianluca Di Marzio, mentioned that the deal between the two parties is close to completion. Napoli and Juventus were both keen on signing the Uruguay international, but Emery is believed to be holding the upper hand.

The 22-year-old is very good at making interceptions and is capable of taking set-pieces as well as long shots. In the 2016/17 Serie A season, Torreira made the largest number of interceptions, at the age of 21. He surely is a great young talent, with huge potential of succeeding in the English Premier League.

Arsenal can sign the player for just £22 million. As compared to many signings such as Mustafi, Alexandre Lacazette, and Aubameyang, this fee seems relatively cheap. As a no-nonsense defensive midfielder, he may be the player that Emery is searching for. Arsenal are in need of more steel in the center of the pitch and if Torreira can do the job right alongside Granit Xhaka, he is definitely a great addition. There is no reason for Arsenal to not sign the player this summer.