Mikel Arteta could unleash a dream first XI against Coventry this week if he gets his way in the market
Mikel Arteta during Arsenal's Community Shield clash with Manchester City
Mikel Arteta during Arsenal's Community Shield clash with Manchester City(Image: Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images)
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Arsenal have already laid down the gauntlet for the new season as they beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield on Sunday. Next up is Frank Lampard's Coventry City, who visit the Emirates Stadium on Friday for the 2026/27 Premier League curtain-raiser.
So far, Mikel Arteta has recruited Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for around £34million while Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes has signed for £75m. Leandro Trossard has joined Besiktas, Jakub Kiwior has left for Porto, Karl Hein signed for Werder Bremen and Christian Norgaard moved to Everton.
The Gunners have been linked with the likes of Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah in defence. Up front, they're reportedly keen on Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez.
Here, football.london takes a look at Mikel Arteta's dream starting XI against Coventry should he get his wish in the transfer window this week.
Goalkeeper
Arsenal have former Chelsea No. 1 Kepa Arrizabalaga and Illan Meslier, who recently signed on a free after leaving Leeds United, on their goalkeeping roster, offering healthy competition. However, there's only one candidate to start between the sticks for the Gunners against Coventry: David Raya.
Defence
William Saliba's absence through injury means Cristhian Mosquera will partner Gabriel in the heart of the Gunners' defence. Having seen a bid for Konsa knocked back by Aston Villa, Arsenal have turned their attention to ex-Liverpool star Quansah, now of Bayer Leverkusen.
It's likely that England international Quansah is an easier target to acquire over Konsa, with Villa demanding £60m for Konsa. Quansah, who could be available for around £43m, would ideally slot in at right back for now to cover the injured Jurrien Timber.
Jarell Quansah of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the DFB Cup semifinal match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern Munchen
Jarell Quansah has been linked with a transfer to Arsenal this summer(Image: (Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images))
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Timber is still recovering from his problematic groin issue. Ben White is rebuilding his fitness and did start on Sunday against City but will have to settle for a place on the bench.
Left-back Piero Hincapie turned his loan from Bayer Leverkusen into a permanent deal this summer, but Riccardo Calafiori gets the nod in his favoured position.
Midfield
Arsenal boast one of the most robust midfield units in the Premier League. That's only been bolstered by the arrival of Guimaraes.
The Brazilian will be one of three in the engine room alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Myles Lewis-Skelly started the Community Shield at the expense of Rice but the teenager has been linked with an exit from north London this summer, and so the former West Ham man gets the berth.
Myles Lewis-Skelly during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund at Emirates Stadium.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been linked with an Arsenal exit but should stay(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA, Getty Images)
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As for departures in that area of the pitch, Reiss Nelson could complete his move to West Ham after talks between the two clubs. Martin Zubimendi could be allowed to leave amid interest from clubs in Spain and Chelsea. Fabio Vieira could be on his way back to Hamburg on a permanent deal following a successful loan.
Attack
Kai Havertz led the line against City and managed to get on the scoresheet. However, neither the German nor Viktor Gyokeres have fully convinced Arteta they can carry the burden for the Premier League champions.
While Arsenal had eyed a move for former Man City star Alvarez, now at Atletico Madrid, the Gunners have turned their attention to Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move to Arsenal(Image: Photo by Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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The Nigerian striker has been linked with Spurs this summer but he will make a formidable No.9 for Arteta. Either side will be Bukayo Saka, on the right wing, and new signing Christos Tzolis on the left.
As for outgoings in the final third of the pitch, Galatasaray are reportedly keen on both Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. Gabriel Jesus is also surplus to requirements.
Arsenal's dream starting XI vs Coventry City: Raya; Quansah, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Guimaraes, Odegaard; Saka, Osimhen, Tzolis.