Arsene Wenger says he will be “on alert 24 hours a day” as Arsenal look to complete their transfer business before the start of pre-season.

Sead Kolasinac became the club’s first arrival of the summer on Tuesday, though he will not be able to formally join up with the Gunners until his contract with Schalke expires on July 1.

That is less than two weeks before Arsenal begin their preparations for the new season with a friendly against Sydney FC in Australia on July 13.

Arsenal’s transfer plans are ambitious. They have already seen an £87million bid for Monaco’s teenage star Kylian Mbappe rejected.

Regardless of that initial set back, Wenger insists he will be do his utmost to strengthen the squad.

“Between now and the tour we will work every day to get the best possible environment around the team and to strengthen the team,” Wenger told the official website of the club’s summer tour.

“That’s basically a lot of dark, invisible work. But that is demanded and that means never leave your seat without your phone, never go to bed without your phone, because anything can happen.

“We will basically be on alert 24 hours a day.”

Wenger has previously said he wants to bring in a maximum of three new signings to strengthen a first team he believes is only a sprinkling of quality additions away from challenging for the Premier League title.

Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina is also on Arsenal’s shortlist whilst they are considering moves for Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, viewed by some as a long-term replacement for Petr Cech.