Arsenal Q&A: Chances of Champions League and Premier League success

Our chief football news reporter Simon Stone has watched Arsenal in the United States on their pre-season tour and he has been answering some of your questions.

Richard asked: Arsenal seem to be interested in a midfielder rather than a striker this summer. Who do you think is the ideal signing for Arsenal - midfielder or striker?

Simon replied: That is an interesting one, Richard. I think the plan is to move Kai Havertz further forward and with Emile Smith Rowe leaving, I can see why Mikel Arteta is looking at his midfield options. That said, with uncertainty over the futures of Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, there could be a gap up front.

These are very much first-world problems because Arsenal's starting line-up is phenomenal. However, Arteta will be wary. He knows so many clubs lost players to injury last season and with the Champions League first phase expanding to eight games, the demand on his squad will be huge. He will want every eventuality covered.

Paul asked: Are the squad looking sharp enough yet for the first game of the season?

Simon replied: Like many clubs, Arsenal won't really know where they are until the five players not with them in the United States - Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya and William Saliba - link up with the squad. It was a major bonus getting Riccardo Calafiori in quickly enough for him to play some part in the US, both in terms of training and basic introductions.

Wolves and Brighton at home and a trip to Aston Villa looks a hazardous opening before the first international break. It will be too much to expect Arsenal to be at peak form - but they need to be advanced enough in fitness terms not to drop points.

Dylan asked: We need to do well in the Champions League this year. Do you think we have the squad to compete with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern?

Simon replied: I certainly do, Dylan. I also think Arsenal have the squad depth, which will be vital this season. I don't think anyone at the club will lose sight of the fact the Premier League is the major target after going so close, but Arsenal have the players to give any team a game.

The problem with the Champions League is that it can come down to fine margins. Real Madrid beat Manchester City on penalties in the quarter-final, scored two late goals to knock Bayern out in the semis and were outplayed in the first half of the final by Borussia Dortmund. I realise Real Madrid seem to perform these kinds of feats routinely in the Champions League but no-one wins it without fine margins going their way.