Arsenal’s transfer window last summer was bombastic, to say the least, and this year is shaping up for the Gunners to repeat their same plan from 2021.
According to reports, Mikel Arteta will once again spend big in the transfer window, with the plan to sign at least two new attackers for Arsenal as well as a central midfielder and right-back, with some big-name players set to leave north London.
With Arsenal set for a return to Europe next season, a squad with some actual depth will be massive for Arteta in his quest to get the Gunners back in the UEFA Champions League as well have a strong run in the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League.
Indeed, Arsenal have already been linked with some huge names ahead of the transfer window, and here at HITC Sport, we look at who will be in the club’s main starting XI as well as their backup for next season if Arteta executes his plan to a tee.
The main XI – Jesus leads for Arsenal and Tielemans replaces Xhaka in midfield
With everybody fit, Arsenal’s main XI might not change as dramatically as everyone might think, with a new leading striker and central midfielder the two positions that will see a new look for next season.
And if reports are to be believed, Gabriel Jesus and Youri Tielemans are the two players Arsenal are pushing the hardest to sign, with the Gunners reportedly close to signing the Manchester City striker with Erling Haaland already a confirmed capture for the Premier League giants.
The usual back-five keep their places with Martin Odegaard starting with Thomas Partey in midfield, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli joining Jesus in what could be an exciting attack for next season.
As mentioned at the top, squad depth is Arsenal’s main transfer window plan this summer, and as we will see in the next section, the Gunners’ backup side could be one that might do well in Europe, as well as give fans hope about the next generation of players.
The backup XI – Saliba mans the defence as Hale End trio leads the attack
Granit Xhaka is unlucky to drop from the main XI given his form this season, yet with Europe on the cards for the Gunners, the £35m star will play plenty of football, with the midfielder likely joining Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny in the centre of the park, with Arsenal set to hand the Egyptian a new contract.
The biggest change in this XI, though, is the defence, with four new names making the back-five alongside Rob Holding. Whilst Matt Turner and William Saliba are confirmed new additions for next season, Championship star Djed Spence and Scotland international Aaron Hickey are just mere rumours, though the pair would be incredible new fullback signings for the north London side
Four new additions at the back might for many be seen as the surprise element of this Arsenal XI, for fans, the attack will be the one that raises the most eyebrows, with a Hale End trio leading the line for the Gunners.
Whilst Arsenal will likely sign a second attacker, no concrete name have so far been mentioned, with the Gunners seemingly focused on bringing in a main starting striker.
Yet given the talent of Folarin Balogun, many supporters would be open to seeing the youngster handed a chance to start alongside Emile Smith Rowe and the returning Reiss Nelson, who is ready to redeem himself under Arteta.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
