The unenviable cycle of opening day defeats that Arsenal fans are forced to suffer almost every season, is now starting to become a serious issue.

The repetitive nature of the Gunners curtain raisers have left many of the clubs loyal fans particularly disgruntled, with Wenger seemingly unable to learn from past lessons.

On Sunday, Arsenal fell to defeat against Liverpool and had it not been for two late consolation goals, the 4-3 scoreline would have looked far, far worse.

Nevertheless, as the final whistle blew, an understrength, underperforming Arsenal side and their manager were booed off the pitch.

Wenger will need to act fast in the transfer market if he is to regain his popularity in North London. He simply cannot afford to settle for the squad he currently has; he risks both his and the clubs’ future if that is the case.

Here are the five players that Arsenal should look to sign after the devastating defeat to Liverpool.

Riyad Mahrez

When observing Riyad Mahrez in Leicester’s opening day defeat to Hull, one thing seemed abundantly clear, his heart is not at the club anymore.

With rumours abound that the Algerian wants to leave the club and an abject performance at the weekend perhaps confirming this, Arsenal should look to make their move.

The Gunners need to strengthen in other positions first but once they have completed the obvious additions, signing Riyad Mahrez would be the perfect remedy for all of the irritation surrounding the Emirates right now.

Simon Kjaer

Yet another defender who has been linked with a move to Arsenal over the last 48 hours, Simon Kjaer is a 27-year-old centre-back currently playing his football at Fenerbahce in Turkey.

While unlikely to happen, many Arsenal fans would be delighted to see the arrival of two quality centre-backs at the Emirates. After all, Laurent Koscielny is perhaps the only current Arsenal centre-back who possesses genuine, world class quality.

Perhaps Kjaer’s transfer fee is what attracted Wenger; the Dane would likely cost around £15 million, a fee that Arsenal would likely be happy to pay.

Alexandre Lacazette

If Arsene Wenger fails to finalise a deal for Alexandre Lacazette or a striker of a similar calibre, he could have a mutiny on his hands.

Arsenal fans have been crying out for a prolific striker since Robin van Persie left for Manchester. Thus far, Wenger has been quietly content to put all of his faith in Olivier Giroud, a player who, while somewhat underrated among Premier League fans, is simply not good enough to lead the line on his own.

Lacazette is fast, strong, reads the game superbly and most importantly, is a proven goalscorer. Wenger must act, now.

Shkodran Mustafi

Reports over the last week have claimed that an agreement has been reached with Valencia for the sale of German defender Shkodran Mustafi. However, despite an injury crisis and distinct lack of quality in Arsenal’s back line, no further news has surfaced.

Mustafi would be the ideal signing for the Gunners. Young, hungry and with immense talent, the 24-year-old would a welcome addition to Arsenal’s frail defence.

Jonas Hector

Perhaps the least likely player to join Arsenal on this list, Jonas Hector would still be a supreme addition to Wenger’s team, provided that he can move either Kieran Gibbs or Nacho Monreal out of the club.

While Monreal has impressed intermittently during his time at the Emirates, the club would surely benefit from a full-back who is as good defensively as he is going forward.

With Hector Bellerin set to hold down the right-back position for the next few years at Arsenal, a fellow full-back who can replicate the youngster’s efforts on the left would be valuable.