Arsenal are set to have an exciting XI next season if Mikel Arteta lands his transfer targets. The Spaniard reportedly wants to sign four players and is claimed to be close to completing his first acquisition.
With the Premier League title potentially out of reach this season, Arteta will want to close the gap on Manchester City further. A report from 90min.com claims that the Gunners boss wants to bring in up to four players.
The positions Arteta wants to strengthen are at centre-back, centre-midfield, right-wing and up front. Spanish outlet AS says that Arsenal are already close to signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Four arrivals would leave Arteta with plenty of options to choose from. Express Sport looks at how Arsenal could line up with their new signings.
Goalkeeper – Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale has had his critics in recent weeks. However, there are not many bigger fans of the goalkeeper than Arteta.
Arsenal are not currently planning to buy a new No 1. Ramsdale will remain in that role for the foreseeable future.
Defence – White, Saliba, Guehi, Zinchenko
The back four sees the first new signing. Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to the Emirates.
Arteta wants to strengthen his options in the middle of defence and has been impressed with the former Chelsea youngster. He could slot in alongside either William Saliba or Gabriel.
Ben White has impressed at right-back and is likely to remain there next season. Oleksandr Zinchenko is key to how Arsenal play in his inverted left-back role.
Midfield – Zubimendi, Odegaard, Xhaka
Zubimendi has largely played as a defensive midfielder for Sociedad. He could come straight into the team in place of Thomas Partey, whose performances have dropped off near the business end of this season.
Zubimendi has a release clause of around £52.5million in his contract but it remains to be seen if Arsenal are paying as much as that for the 24-year-old. Granit Xhaka has enjoyed his best season in an Arsenal shirt this term.
He could keep his spot as the left-sided No 8 in the midfield three. Captain Martin Odegaard is a shoo-in in the position he has made his own.
Attack – Saka, Hojlund, Raphinha
Arteta wants to add depth on the right of attack to lessen the burden on Bukayo Saka. But the players he is targeting can also play on the other flank.
Barcelona star Raphinha has had a disappointing first season in Spain and is one of the wide players Arsenal are linked with. Arteta failed to sign the Brazilian last summer before he left Leeds.
Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund is a young striker Arsenal could sign. The 20-year-old has been rumoured to be a target for the north Londoners and is earning a growing reputation for Atalanta and Denmark as one of Europe’s brightest young forwards.
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