Assessing what Arsenal’s starting XI may look like next season - if transfer rumours prove to be true.
For several years now, Arsenal have been good – but not good enough to win the Premier League. If they want to become champions of England for the first time in over 20 years, Mikel Arteta is going to have to oversee some significant moves in the summer transfer window.
A lack of cutting edge up front and issues with depth at key positions have combined to prevent Arsenal from getting close to runaway leaders Liverpool this season, and while they still have a shot at the Champions League, this season has definitely demonstrated that they need to make some signings.
With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at what Arsenal’s starting XI might look like next season if some of the more plausible and persistent transfer rumours circling the club come to fruition – and it amounts to around £440m of talent with very few noticeable holes…
A new name in defence, but will William Saliba stay?
GK: David Raya (£27m); LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly (academy); CB: Jorrel Hato (£42m), William Saliba (£27m); RB: Ben White (£50m)
If there’s one part of the pitch where there isn’t an urgent need for big signings, it’s along the back line – but that hasn’t stopped Arsenal from being routinely linked with a bid for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who could also provide an option at left-back and is believed to be valued at up to €50m (£42m).
Interest in Hato could exist largely because there is interest in both of Arsenal’s starting centre-backs – Saudi Pro League sides are casting admiring glances towards Gabriel Magalhães, and Real Madrid reportedly want William Saliba.
Arsenal are hoping to end any speculation about their futures by tying both players down to new deals, but neither has signed yet – and if new contracts aren’t penned quickly, speculation could mount. For now, we believe both are likely to stay put given that they both have two years left on their deals and are likely to cost an awful lot of money, but Hato could very easily be a starter next season if one does end up heading off. Gabriel is perhaps the more likely to leave, given how much Saliba would set Real back.
Arsenal get their man in midfield
DM: Declan Rice (£105m), Martín Zubimendi (£51m); AM: Martin Ødegaard (£30m)
With Jorginho and Thomas Partey expected to leave this summer, a midfielder who can operate alongside Declan Rice in the double pivot will be one of the two biggest priorities in the transfer market, along with a striker – fortunately, reports have been suggesting since January that the club have already reached an agreement with Real Sociedad to sign Martín Zubimendi for a little over £50m.
The bad news is that there have been reports suggesting that Real Madrid could have a crack at gazumping Arsenal themselves, and while that remains an unsubstantiated rumour, it could be enough to send the Gunners shopping elsewhere.
We think that Zubimendi will wind up at the Emirates, however, with Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino taking most of the minutes in midfielder. A young back-up could be in order, as well, to help avoid a repeat of this season’s injury issues.
A new striker is certain – but which one will Arsenal sign?
LW: Nico Williams (£49m); RW: Bukayo Saka (academy); CF: Viktor Gyökeres (£59m)
Arsenal’s single biggest need this summer is evidently a centre-forward, and it’s almost certain that they will sign one – but which one will they get their hands on?
It seems that Arsenal would prefer to get hold of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but it would take an outrageous price to prise the Swede away from St. James’ Park and it’s highly unlikely that they’re able to negotiate such a deal as it stands. That means that two biggest favourites would be Benjamin Šeško and Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres, based on current reporting.
Other names will crop up but we think Gyökeres is the front-runner for now, with Šeško more likely to go to Chelsea. This is all partly because Gyökeres’ price tag seems to be more reasonable than expected, with his club reportedly promising to let him leave for no more than £59m. Manchester United will provide competition, but Arsenal have more clout right now.
Finally, as a cherry on top, we’re going to accept the stories which suggest that Arsenal are the front-runners to sign Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams, whose release clause will make him available for around £49m. There will be plenty of competition, but the Gunners certainly seem to be serious contenders.
Arsenal dream XI: Raya); Lewis-Skelly; Hato; Saliba; White; Rice, Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard; Williams, Saka, Viktor Gyökeres. Valuation: £440m
Related topics:ArsenalMikel Arteta
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