Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is planning to get ruthless in the summer transfer window following a disappointing season, with a massive overhaul expected to take place
Arsenal will have a new-look starting line-up next season if Mikel Arteta gets his way in the summer transfer window.
Arteta is plotting a major overhaul of his squad amid what is turning into another frustrating season for the Gunners. They were dumped out of the FA Cup in the third round, fell to Newcastle in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and now sit 13 points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The Gunners have not won a major trophy for five years, while their title drought has extended past the 20-year mark. In response, Arteta is planning to get ruthless in the summer window.
The Arsenal boss has shown a similar streak before, with few members of his squad safe. One man certain to remain and keep his place in the starting line-up is David Raya, who has once again proven to be a safe pair of hands in goal.
The Spaniard has kept 15 clean sheets in his 32 games in all competitions this season, with Arteta unlikely to replace him any time soon. Also safe is his defenders, with Jurrien Timber set to keep his place at right-back.
Timber has impressed in his first full season with the Gunners, making the right-back spot his own. Should the Gunners hold off interest from Real Madrid then William Saliba will also maintain his spot alongside Gabriel in central defence.
At left-back there is likely to be a fight between Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori, but the academy graduated gets the nod in our team. Declan Rice has been a rock for the Gunners since his £100million arrival from West Ham.
But the identity of his central midfield partner is up in the air. Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is set to arrive and the Spaniard should join Rice in the engine room. And he will be required with both Jorginho and Thomas Partey set to depart at the end of the season.
Martin Odegaard will keep his place and his position as captain, despite enduring a difficult campaign. Looking at the Gunners’ frontline, the squad could be in for a lot of change as Arteta starts his overhaul.
As Mirror Football reported on Thursday, it is increasingly likely that one of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli will be sold in the summer. Both have made key contributions, but Arteta is seeking a world-class option on the left wing.
That could lead him to Nico Williams, who starred as Spain won Euro 2024 last summer. The Gunners will have to beat a number of other top clubs to his signature, but they are well-placed to land the winger.
On the other flank will be Bukayo Saka, who has been so sorely missed since his injury in December. A fully fit Saka will make a huge difference next term, who along with the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri leave them with an exciting pair.
The final piece of the puzzle is at striker, with Arsenal expected to invest heavily in the position. Top target Alexander Isak appears out of reach with Newcastle likely to demand more than £100million, but RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko would be a good alternative option.
The Gunners have been linked with Sesko for the last two windows, but could get a deal done for the £55m clause in his deal.
Arsenal starting line-up for 2025/2026: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, Gabriel, William Saliba, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Benjamin Sesko, Nico Williams
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