Arsenal, once again, finished second in the Premier League in 2024/25 as Mikel Arteta’s trophy drought prolonged. Losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals marked progress from 2023/24, but it can still be considered a season of shortcomings in terms of winning silverware.
The aforementioned Arteta is, undoubtedly, regarded as one of the best managers in world football – but the club’s higher-ups should be looking at potential replacements for the Spanish tactician should they endure another trophyless campaign.
But, for now, he remains. And this summer will be crucial in closing the gap between themselves and those at the summit of England’s top flight. With potential incomings in mind, how could the north Londoners line up come August when next Premier League season gets underway?
Goalkeeper + Defenders
David Raya, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Who other than Barcelona-born David Raya inbetween the sticks? Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, not much needs to be said about the Spaniard, who managed to keep 13 clean sheets in 38 Premier League outings in 2024/25.
There are choices to be made by Arteta and his entourage in terms of who plays on either side of his back four. On the right, it’s either Ben White or Jurrien Timber – but the latter, thanks to his string of displays of late, should get the nod going forward.
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On the opposite side, it’s a choice between last summer’s addition, Riccardo Calafiori, and last season’s surprise package, Myles Lewis-Skelly. The latter, irrespective of his tender age, has shown enough to be trusted over a 38-game period.
Arteta’s two-man partnership at the heart of the back line picks itself. Yes, Jakub Kiwior is a tidy deputy and Calafiori may be able to do a job in the middle, but you cannot tear the innate synergy of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes apart. The two complement one another brilliantly.
William Saliba and Gabriel
Midfielders
Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi
For Arteta, some players are just non-negotiable – and Declan Rice fits into that category perfectly. Formerly West Ham United’s skipper, he has all the leadership qualities to lead a team onto the biggest stage in world football; and that’s why he’s so crucial to the Gunners.
But what he excels at is marauding forward and making a difference in the final third; not acting as the club’s midfield fulcrum. That’s where Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad comes into the equation. That’s where Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad comes into the equation with the move being reported as a ‘done deal’.
Zubimendi, a 15-cap Spain international, would be the perfect foil for Rice’s attacking tendencies as he tends to sit in front of the defence just mopping up. A move seems inevitable – and it'll benefit the trophy-chasing Gunners in all departments.
Martin Odegaard is something of a divisive figure among the Emirates Stadium faithful but the former Real Madrid wonderkid is evidently talented. A solid run of games should, in theory, remove any inconsistency with a bonafide striker sorting their goalscoring qualms.
Forwards
Bukayo Saka, Benjamin Sesko, Rodrygo
Arteta’s right-wing berth is an easy picking: it’s none other than Bukayo Saka. With the Englishman, they look much more fluid; but without him, there is a lack of semblance when pushing forward. I mean, whether he’s injured or not, there’s a reason Arteta plays him at every given opportunity.
Through the middle, however, issues arise. Mikel Merino, in the absence of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus through injury, was utilised as their auxiliary centre forward, despite being a midfielder by trade.
A surprise to many, the ex-Real Sociedad man – widely regarded as one of the best signings of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign – scored plenty of goals in an unusual position, but Arteta would be foolish not to sign a striker this summer.
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Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig may be raw, but his ferocious ball-striking ability is something that top clubs cannot look past. Arsenal have reportedly explored the parameters of a deal for the Slovenian 22-year-old, who plundered 21 goals in 45 outings in 2024/25.
Should Sesko arrive in the capital, he’ll need a dynamic winger… step forward: Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. The Brazilian, one of the best wide men in world football, could replace his compatriot Garbiel Martinelli seamlessly on the left as they push for a title.