Kim Price/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA via Reuters
Arsenal are now just weeks away from the start of the Premier League season, and they are yet to address either of their big needs, but that is likely to change. The Gunners are hoping to land Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in the coming days, and they look on track to pull it off.
The Gunners also want to sign a new elite winger, and Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr could be on the table amid stalling contract negotiations with Real Madrid. Vinicius is out of contract next summer, but he is demanding huge money, and that could mean he falls onto Arsenal's laps, as long as they are willing to spend the money Los Blancos are not on wages.
Here we take a look at what the Arsenal team could look like if Vinicius does join this summer.
GK - David Raya
There is no doubting Arsenal's number one. Raya may have been number two at the World Cup this summer, but his starting spot at Arsenal is not in question. Raya was the Premier League's best goalkeeper last season, and there are no doubts about him currently.
LB - Piero Hincapie
Piero Hincapie in action for Bayer Leverkusen
Hincapie came in and did a sterling job on loan last season, leading to him being signed permanently this summer. He is a steady option defensively, which Arteta loves, and it's likely Hincapie leads Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori in the starter race on the left.
CB - Gabriel Magalhaes
There is little doubt about Arsenal's centre-back pairing, who have been a rock Arteta can rely on week-in, week-out. There is plenty of depth at the centre-back position, too which will be important.
CB - WIlliam Saliba
That depth could come in handy, with Saliba dealing with a back injury currently, and that could impact his role early in the season. But when is at full fitness, the Frenchman is going to have a starting spot locked down.
RB - Ben White
There is an intriguing race for the starting role on the right. Ben White is a trusted player, particularly due to his defensive ability, but Jurrien Timber will provide fierce competition, and it's likely we will see plenty of both players this season.
CDM - Declan Rice
Rice is one of the first names on the teamsheet, and the midfielder will be hoping to get some much-needed rest and get back to it this season. The midfielder is one of the most important players for Arteta, and it will be interesting to see how his role evolves with the arrival of the next name on this list.
CDM - Bruno Guimaraes
via Reuters
Bruno Guimaraes looks set to arrive on a big-money deal from Newcastle United, and if he does, he is going to be a starter going forward, even with plenty of competition. Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and others will be competing for minutes, but Arsenal want to sign Guimaraes for a reason.
CAM - Martin Odegaard
Odegaard may have more of a fight for his starting role this season after a below-par season of last, but he remains the best option. Odegaard will largely battle with Eberechi Eze for a starting role, but we can expect him to start the season in the 10 role.
RW - Bukayo Saka
Saka should have had some much-needed rest this summer, given he wasn't overly involved for England at the World Cup, and he should be back to his best after his surgery late last season. Saka is going to be the starter on the right, with Noni Madueke providing competition.
LW - Vinicius Jr
REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo
Arsenal need an elite signing on the left of attack, and if they can get their hands on Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, there will be a new first name on the teamsheet. The Brazilian is one of the best wingers on the planet, and he would transform Arsenal's attack should a deal become possible.
CF - Viktor Gyokeres
Arteta has some good competition up top, between Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, and it will likely be the former who starts for the most part. The forward breached the 20-goal threshold last season, and he will want to keep adding to his goal record while becoming even more consistent in front of goal. The Gunners could sign a new striker if Gabriel Jesus leaves, but it's unlikely to be anyone who replaces Gyokeres and Havertz, unless someone like Julian Alvarez can be signed, but that will mean no Vinicius.
Vinicius Junior celebrating after scoring against Mallorca
Vinicius Junior celebrating after scoring against Mallorca