Premier League leaders Arsenal have been linked with some major transfer targets this month.placeholder image
Premier League leaders Arsenal have been linked with some major transfer targets this month. | Getty Images
Arsenal’s dream new starting XI if the latest transfer rumours are to be believed
Premier League leaders Arsenal are just a matter of months away from getting the chance to win their first league title in 22 years, with Mikel Arteta’s side currently holding a healthy lead at the top of the table.
Challengers Manchester City and Aston Villa have both faltered in recent weeks but so have the Gunners, with successive league draws suggesting that there may still be work to be done for Mikel Arteta’s men.
They spent over £250million in the summer in a transfer window which appears to have turned the needle in their favour. While the jury is still out on marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres, £55m arrival Martin Zubimendi is arguably one of the buys of the season and Eberechi Eze, while struggling for minutes in recent weeks, gave Gunners the ultimate moment to remember with a hat-trick in the North London Derby.
Rumours continue to circulate that the Gunners will look to improve their squad further in 2026 – and this is how their starting XI could look for the remainder of the season if the rumours prove to be true.
Arsenal new starting XI if transfer rumours prove true
Goalkeeper – David Raya
Defence – Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori
In truth, despite a few injury issues in the back four this season, there is little room for improvement in the Gunners’ defensive unit at present. Goalkeeper David Raya has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best in recent seasons, boasting the best defensive record in the league in each of his three campaigns so far in north London.
Though this feat is equally thanks to the rock-solid back four in front of him, including world-class central defensive pairing Gabriel and William Saliba. Left-back Riccardo Calafiori is currently out injured but with all of Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Piero Hincapie (also currently not fit) waiting in the wings, the Gunners have great strength in depth. One of their sole defensive transfer targets, Marc Guehi, is reportedly set to join Manchester City.
Arsenal could add signings in midfield and attack according to reports
Midfield – Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Arda Guler
Attack – Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Anthony Gordon
If Arsenal are to bring in reinforcements to take their squad to even higher levels this January, it is likely to be in the midfield and forward areas. Not that they are weak in those positions, by any means, but the Gunners have found themselves linked with a host of top players and stars for the future as Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta remain alert for unmissable market opportunities.
One such player who has been linked with a stunning move to the Emirates is Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler, who has been touted for a £70m transfer by Fichajes following the sacking of Xabi Alonso as Los Blancos head coach. Guler had the trust of Alonso and may decide to depart if the opportunity arises to earn a central role at the Emirates. Though this would be likely to mean rotation with captain Martin Odegaard at present, 20-year-old Guler could arrive in north London with the promise of starring in Red for years to come.
Furthermore, reports by Caught Offside state that the Gunners are considering an ‘audacious’ swoop for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon. The 24-year-old could be seen as the long-term solution to the position at the Emirates to succeed 31-year-old Leandro Trossard, amidst doubts over the future of Gabriel Martinelli.
In attack, Gyokeres has failed to pull up trees since his £64m move from Sporting CP in the summer, but Arsenal have not seen much speculation around a move for another striking option, amidst the availability of recently returned Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz as back-up. Arteta and Gunners fans will hope that Gyokeres can still turn things around and play a key role as his side aim for glory.
Continue Reading