2 months ago
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Huge summer at the Emirates
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After missing out on Premier League glory for a second successive season, Arsenal will need to be ready to go again - and the club will be hoping that this summer could be the transfer window that takes Mikel Arteta’s side from contenders to champions. With the club expected to be very active in the market, the Gunners are targeting elite-level reinforcements to strengthen key areas and add the final pieces to their puzzle, whilst also adding depth to their ranks.
From bolstering midfield and defensive depth to sharpening their attack, Arsenal’s recruitment drive could reshape their starting XI next season. New Sporting Director Andrea Berta will have his first opportunity to impact the squad, and it doesn't look like he's messing around. With the club at a potential cross-roads, Transfermarkt takes a closer look at the Gunners’ big summer plans - and how they might line up when the new campaign kicks off with their additional recruits.
How Arsenal's first XI could line up next season
In terms of players who are going to come straight in and impact the starting XI, we must begin with Spanish international midfielder Martín Zubimendi. The 26-year-old arrives from Real Sociedad and will likely go straight into the heart of the Gunner's midfield. Arsenal will be hoping he can allow more freedom for Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard and form a impactful trio with those two players. The other areas where Arteta will be looking to recruit starters is in his front-line. Whilst Bukayo Saka will undoubtedly be a starter if fit, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz's places as left-winger and striker respectively could be challenged.
It's no secret Arsenal are targeting bringing in a striker this summer, with RB Leipzig Benjamin's Sesko and Sporting's Viktor Gyökeres the two names who have been most closely linked. Currently a deal for Gyökeres looks very close, but either of those two no.9s could go straight in to lead the line for the Gunners. Arsenal are also targeting a left-winger, with Real Madrid's Rodrygo an ambitious but potentially feasible target. The Brazilian could add some much needed firepower to Arsenal's attack.
How Arsenal's back-up XI could line up next season
Another task for Arsenal's recruitment this summer will be to address the depth of the squad. Last year a few injuries in key positions derailed Arteta's team's season, and the club's hierarchy will surely be keen to avoid a repeat of that. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has already been signed from Chelsea for €5m to provide back up and competition for David Raya. Arsenal have also all but completed the signing of Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard to add some more back-up and experience to the heart of their midfield. The Gunners are also rumoured to be close to agreeing a deal with Valencia for young Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera to ease the burden on William Saliba at right-centre-back.
Another potential big coup the Gunners could pull off this summer is the acquisition of Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze. Although it does seem somewhat unlikely that Arsenal will lay out big money for a striker, a winger and Eze, the England midfielder is said to be very keen on a move, with some reports even suggesting personal terms have been agreed. He could provide competition and cover for the no.10 position currently held by captain Ødegaard, and on both wings. Arsenal have also been linked with Chelsea's Noni Madueke. All in all, if Arsenal could manage to complete all these deals, not only would their starting XI look more potent, but they would have a much more rounded squad to compete in all competitions next season.
