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Zubimendi is Arsenal-bound | Getty Images
A look at what Arsenal’s starting XI currently looks like, assuming the arrival of Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal are expected to have a busy summer as they look to ramp up their efforts to win a Premier League title. The Gunners need to add depth in a number of positions, and they have already begun making moves.
Martin Zubimendi will be joining from Real Sociedad, while Kepa Arrizabalaga will be joining from Chelsea to be the back-up goalkeeper. There is also talk that Christian Norgaard will join as a back-up midfielder.
Here we take a look at what the current Arsenal starting XI would look like should not further signings be made after the all-but certain arrival of Martin Zubimendi.
GK - David Raya
Raya is Arsenal’s undisputed number one, and even with the expected arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Raya will be the man between the sticks when fit next season.
LB - Riccardo Calafiori
One of the toughest positions to choose, Mikel Arteta has options at left-back, including Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly, but Calafiori showed he can turn up on big occasions last season, also providing a couple of key goals, and he might just hold the advantage at this stahe.
CB - Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel is a vital player for Arteta and Arsenal, and he goes into the new season on the back of signing a new deal. When he is fit, Gabriel will be one of the number one choices at centre-back.
CB - William Saliba
The same applies to Saliba, who is also virtually a guaranteed starter. Arteta may well move to get better competition in this position, but Saliba will still be seen as one of the starters here until any issues with form arise.
RB - Ben White
White currently holds the shirt for the right-back spot, although there are options, including Takehiro Tomiyasu, who will want to prove himself when returning from a seemingly never-ending injury. Arteta loves White and he is not likely to make him second choice any time soon.
CDM - Declan Rice
Rice is one of the players who is most secure in this starting XI, seen as one of the club’s best signings for many years. The midfielder has been incredibly consistent and Artrta will need him at his best to win a title.
CDM - Martin Zubimendi
An almoct certain new signing this summer, Zubimendi should be a starter when he arrives. It looks as though he will keep former Real Sociedad and current Spain teammate Mikel Merino out of the team, although both players will likely see plenty of game time. By spending £55million on another defensive-minded midfielder, Arteta looks to want a double pivot, and Zubimendi is the logical selection there alongside Rice.
CAM - Martin Odegaard
The double pivot will allow Odegaard to play with even more freedom, and he will be charged with playing in this number 10 role as he continues to lead the Gunners. Arsenal would be wise to sign another player in this position, though.
RW - Bukayo Saka
Saka is one of the first names on the team sheet and he will likely be the starter on the right-hand sand. The winger will be hoping for a better season this time around.
LW - Gabriel Martinelli
As things stand, Martinelli is likely to keep his place on the left, but Arteta will almost certainly be handed a new winger as Arsenal look to increase competition out wide. Martinelli will be most at risk with a significant winger signing.
CF - Kai Havertz
Havertz is another player at risk as Arsenal look to sign a pricey, starting calibre striker this summer. For now, though, he is the main starter, with Gabriel Jesus out until towards the end of 2025.
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