Arsenal are heading into the upcoming Premier League season as champions for the first time in 22 years, but Mikel Arteta isn't going to rest now.
Having fallen to PSG on penalties in the Champions League final, the Gunners' priority this summer is closing the gap on Europe's elite, and that means reinforcing a squad that has already been crowned as the best in England.
With the left wing and the midfield identified as areas for investment, here's what Arsenal's best possible starting XI could look like if their top transfer targets arrive at the Emirates Stadium.
Goalkeeper
David Raya
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya
David Raya remains an easy pick between the sticks. The Spaniard has been one of the signings of the Arteta era, with his sharp reflexes and his composed distribution making him an extra outfielder during build-up.
Although his signing looked strange at the time, considering Aaron Ramsdale's impressive season, the former Brentford keeper has excelled in his position.
The Gunners may be wanting a new back-up keeper, with Illan Meslier set to complete a move to north London, but Raya has that number one position locked down.
Defence
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie
william saliba gabriel magalhaes
The two central defenders pick themselves, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes continuing to form one of the most reliable partnerships in Europe. Both were instrumental in the title charge, and there is no desire at the club to break up a pairing that reads the game so well together.
Jurrien Timber has been immense at right-back, and you would assume he gets the nod for his versatility and progressive passing, especially when he gives Arsenal an extra body in midfield by tucking inside. Piero Hincapie also had a strong first season at the Emirates, and his loan move has now been made permanent after a clause was activated following the Ecuadorian defender making 39 appearances. He looks set to be a mainstay for many years.
It is also worth noting the depth Arsenal have in this department, leaving no real need to use their budget in this area. With players like Ricardo Califiori, Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Cristhian Mosquera all sat on the bench, the Gunners have real depth that should be enough for them to continue their progression.
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Midfield
Rice, Guimaraes, Odegaard
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes smiles as he walks into St James' Parkvia Reuters
This is the area where there are rumours of Arsenal wanting to strengthen. If the rumours are true, then they could have a midfield that will dominate for years to come.
Declan Rice remains the engine of the side, a box-to-box presence who still stepped up in some big moments to provide goals and assists. However, he played a lot of minutes last season, and Arteta could do with bringing in a backup to give Rice a rest when possible.
The North London side did have rumoured interest in Italian Sandro Tonali, but he has since made a £100million move to rivals Tottenham, and Arsenal look to have shifted their focus to a different Newcastle midfielder in Bruno Guimaraes. He has been linked with a move to the Emirates, and his blend of ball-carrying, tackling and composure in possession would slot seamlessly into the midfield alongside Rice.
Martin Zubimendi joined last season and had an underrated season and could look to push for a more prominent starting role in the side, but he faces a tough challenge against Rice and potentially Guimaraes.
Martin Odegaard has been linked with a move away from Arsenal, with rumoured interest from Turkish side Galatasaray, but the Norwegian doesn't look to be in a rush to leave the Emirates.
Attack
Saka, Gyokeres, Rogers
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers celebrates scoring vs Man utd
When fit, Bukayo Saka is a guaranteed starter for Mikel Arteta. He had a tough, injury-ridden season last year, but he will be a certain figure if he can stay sharp. Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed an outstanding debut season following his transfer from Sporting Lisbon, offering the kind of physical, direct centre-forward presence Arsenal had lacked for years, and there isn't any reason to think he won't be leading the line once again this season.
The most eye-catching addition would come on the left, where Arsenal have made Morgan Rogers their priority target. The Aston Villa forward has been reportedly valued at around £130million and has attracted interest from a host of major clubs, but Arsenal are serious contenders given Villa's need to balance the books this summer.
Rogers' ability to drift inside, combine centrally and carry the ball through the thirds would give Arteta an upgrade on the left wing, especially with uncertainty around Gabriel Martinelli's future as he enters the final year of his contract. Should Rogers arrive, he'd complete a front three with balance and unpredictability to trouble any defence in Europe, whilst there would still be strong depth in Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta before facing Inter Milan Related
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