How Arsenal could line up next season
Arsenal have made significant progress under Mikel Arteta in the last couple of seasons. The Gunners finished second in the league last term, just two points behind champions Manchester City.
The north London club will look to get one better next season. They are working hard in the transfer market to close the gap against Manchester City. Several big names of players have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks.
Based on the players Arsenal have signed and are expected to sign, here's how they could line up next season:
Goalkeeper: David Raya
David Raya dethroned Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper after arriving on loan from Brentford last season. The Spain international was awarded Premier League 2023-24's Golden Glove for keeping 16 clean sheets in 32 league appearances.
Arsenal made his signing permanent for £27 million this summer. He is expected to keep the gloves for Arteta's team next season.
Right-back: Ben White
Ben White enjoyed a good campaign at right-back for the Gunners last season. He played 37 league games for the Emirates outfit in 2023-24, contributing four goals and four assists. The Englishman will be a key asset for Arteta next season.
Centre-back: William Saliba
William Saliba is among the best young defenders in the world. The Frenchman featured in all 38 Premier League games last season, scoring two goals and assisting one more. He will be responsible for marshaling the Gunners' defense next season.
Centre-back: Riccardo Calafiori
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have agreed a fee to sign defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna last week. He is expected to become the Gunners player in the coming days. The Italy international is likely to partner Saliba in the heart of the Gunners' defense during the 2024-25 season.
Left-back: Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko enjoyed a decent 2023-24 campaign at the Emirates Stadium. The Ukraine international played 27 league games last season, registering one goal and two assists. He will compete with Takehiro Tomiyasu for the left-back spot next season.
Defensive midfielder: Declan Rice
Declan Rice enjoyed a terrific season with Arsenal after joining from West Ham United during last summer's transfer window. The England international played 38 league games last season, scoring seven goals and assisting eight. He was nominated for FIFA's Best Player Award for his performances in 2023.
Central midfielder: Mikel Merino
In recent weeks, Mikel Merino has been linked heavily with a move to Arsenal. The Spain international was excellent during the 2023-24 season for Real Sociedad. He played 32 La Liga games last term, scoring five goals and assisting three more. His arrival will be a big boost to the Gunners' midfield.
Central midfielder: Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard is widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League. The Arsenal captain played 35 Premier League games last term, scoring eight and assisting 10 goals. The Norway international won the Arsenal Player of the Season award and was also nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award during the 2023-24 season.
Left-winger: Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli was a consistent performer for Arsenal during their Premier League title charge last season. The Brazil international played 35 games during the 2023-24 season. He will look to continue his fine form when the campaign restarts next month.
Right-winger: Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is one of the most talented players in the world. He scored 16 goals and assisted nine more in 35 Premier League games last season. Arteta will expect the same from him during the upcoming season.
Striker: Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz enjoyed a decent debut campaign at the Emirates Stadium last term. He played 37 league games for the Gunners during the 2023-24 season, scoring 13 goals and assisting seven more. The German international will compete with Gabriel Jesus for spearheading the Gunners' attack next season.