Arsenal will only pursue transfer targets capable of making a genuine impact on the squad as the summer window enters its closing fortnight, according to chief executive Richard Garlick.
The Gunners have already completed three signings this summer, the most significant being the £75 million capture of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. Arsenal also brought in goalkeeper Illan Meslier to bolster their options between the posts, and winger Christos Tzolis arrived following Leandro Trossard's exit from the club.
With the transfer deadline approaching, questions remain over what further business Arsenal might conduct. Sources close to the club suggest that reinforcing the right side of defence is viewed as a priority, while the possibility of adding another attacking player has not been ruled out.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Garlick made clear that Arsenal's recruitment strategy has shifted as the club's ambitions have grown. He explained that the club is no longer simply looking to add depth or reach a certain competitive level, but instead wants signings who can elevate the team further.
"It's players that are going to take Arsenal forward," Garlick said. "In the past we've looked at players that maybe helped build out the squad or get us to a certain level, but now we're competing right at the top level, and we do need to bring in players that are going to change the dial."
The Arsenal chief executive also indicated that this philosophy does not necessarily exclude younger prospects, provided they have the potential to develop into key contributors over time.
"That might be younger players that come into your squad and give them time to develop, and you've seen that in the last couple of years at Arsenal," he added. "If we're able to combine those players that are coming through the academy with some of the best players in the world then we've got every chance of maintaining that success and going beyond what we've already achieved."
Garlick acknowledged that Arsenal's recent achievements - winning the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final - have raised expectations both internally and in the transfer market. He suggested that this success has narrowed the club's options when it comes to potential recruits.
"The standard now is high, though - the bar's been set winning the Premier League title and getting to the Champions League final," he said. "We're probably fishing in a smaller pool of quality players, and that means that it's tricky to land those players that are going to drive Arsenal forward."
Despite the challenges of operating in such a competitive segment of the market, Garlick left the door open for further activity before the window closes, stressing that the club remains alert to any opportunity that might arise.
"But if the right opportunity presents itself, we'll certainly be exploring it," he said.
With two weeks remaining before the transfer deadline, attention will now turn to whether Arsenal can identify and secure targets who meet Garlick's criteria - players capable of not just supporting the squad, but genuinely enhancing the team's prospects of building on last season's success in both domestic and European competition.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.