Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Kai Havertz during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary's Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Southampton, England.Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Kai Havertz during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary's Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Southampton, England.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Kai Havertz during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary's Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal are hoping to make a number of signings to strengthen their squad for another Premier League title push
Arsenal had to settle for second place in the Premier League for a third-straight season as they watched Liverpool crowned champions in 2024-25. Manchester City endured a tough season, finishing with 71 points.
However, the Gunners were able to make the most of it as despite finishing above Pep Guardiaola’s side - they did not have enough to surpass Liverpool. One of the biggest talking points of the season was Arsenal’s lack of a ruthless striker.
Mikel Arteta has built an impressive side at Arsenal since being appointed manager but there are a few areas of the pitch that would benefit from a refresh. We have put together how the Gunners’ starting line-up could look next season if they can get their desired transfer targets over the line before the window shuts.
Goalkeeper and defence
No changes are expected to Arsenal’s defence, with Jurrien Timber and Ben White available for the right-back slots while William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães form one of the most formidable defensive partnerships in European football. The latter has also recently committed his future to the Gunners, after penning a new deal until 2029.
At left-back, Arteta has Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori as his options, with the defence at the Emirates Stadium looking strong for a number of years.
Midfield and attack
Martin Zubimendi continues to be strongly tipped to join Arsenal, with the latest reports claiming a deal has been done for the defensive midfielder despite his recent comments that he had not yet decided his future. Declan Rice cemented himself as one of the Gunners’ most important players last season and will continue to form a key part of Arteta’s starting XI.
Martin Ødegaard, who despite struggling during parts of the most recent campaign, provided three goals and eight assists in 30 Premier League games and is still seen as a key player by Arteta.
Out wide, Bukayo Saka will remain on the right. However, there have been links to new left-wing options - such as Leroy Sane. Sky Sports have reported that Real Madrid's Rodrygo is in their sights with left-wing and striker the key positions the Gunners want to strengthen. Reportts in Spain from SER says a deal for the player would cost £84m.
Arsenal dream line-up for 2025-26: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Sesko, Rodrygo.
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