The transformation of Arsenal, and their consequent resurgence, under Mikel Arteta has been nothing short of revolutionary. They have returned to the top of the table in English football after some years in the wilderness, and for two seasons have pushed Manchester City close in the title race.
We look at what they need to finally cross the finish line next season, and win the Premier League again for the first time in 21 years.
Mikel Arteta is said to want 20 outfield players for next season, according to The Times. However, he was quoted slightly differently in The Athletic about the squad size he desires to navigate both domestic and European competitions:
“If you can afford it — and we don’t have to do the turnaround in the squad that we’ve had to do — if you ask me what I want, it’s 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers.”
Here, we have taken his wishes into consideration, and built our dream Arsenal squad accordingly.
Goalkeepers
Current: David Raya, Aaron Ramsdale, Karl Hein
Arsenal loaned in Raya last season from Brentford with an option to buy, and they are going to exercise it this summer. They have opened contract talks with Hein to keep him at the club, which takes care of first and third choice keepers.
In an ideal world, they keep hold of Ramsdale as Raya’s backup. However, he wants to start, perhaps needs to for his England career, and a move might suit all parties if another club meets his valuation.
Potential Sale: Aaron Ramsdale
Dream Signing: Álvaro Vallés
Arsenal have already scouted him, so Chelsea want him, of course. He is also one of the best sweeper keepers in Europe which makes it difficult to convince him to come in as backup but he might also want to make the jump to a bigger club, playing in the Champions League.
Alternatives: Justin Bijlow OR Jason Steele
Defenders
Current: Ben White, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Mikel Arteta has said he wants two players for every outfield position, and we know he loves versatile players. Therefore, barring any departures, the club will seek to sign one defender this summer, and have already been linked to several. There are prospects at the Academy too, who can be promoted from within, such as Ayden Heaven and Reuell Walters, who has been offered a contract.
Potential Sales: Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Definite Sales: Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares
Dream Signings: Ousmane Diomande AND Jorrel Hato
Hato has already indicated he wants to stay at Ajax for at least one more season to try and win something with the club, and Arsenal can afford to wait for him. They do not have ideal cover for William Saliba, however, as indicated by him playing every minute of the club’s Premier League campaign, and Diomande should be perfect for the role. He is young enough and brilliant enough to not want to start every match, and yet step in as and when required.
Alternatives: Riccardo Calafiori OR Goncalo Inacio
Midfielders
Current: Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Declan Rice, Ethan Nwaneri, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Martin Ødegaard
It is perhaps the most complicated area of this squad to solve because Arsenal have the numbers, and all the profiles they could need already. Concerns over Partey’s fitness remain, however, and there are rumors the club might even sell him this summer. Even if he stays, there is still the need for one more player who can ideally alternate with Rice in the DM or LCM positions.
Potential Sales: Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira
Definite Sales: Charlie Patino, Albert Sambi Lokonga
Dream Signings: Joao Neves OR Frenkie de Jong OR Douglas Luiz
Neves might prove too expensive, given Benfica’s demands, particularly after last season’s outlay on Declan Rice but he is one of the most exciting midfield prospects in the world right now, and would fit perfectly into this squad with Nwaneri also coming, having been promised playing time next campaign.
Alternatives: Amadou Onana OR Youssouf Fofana OR Mats Wieffer
Forwards
Current: Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard
Kai Havertz’s heroics during the run-in certainly helped mitigate the urgency for Arsenal to sign a prolific center-forward but they do need to upgrade on Nketiah, and they definitely need better backup for Saka—one who is better trusted by Arteta than Nelson.
Potential Sales: Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah
Dream Signings: Viktor Gyökeres OR Benjamin Sesko AND Johan Bakayoko OR Xavi Simons
There are prospects within the club who could step up, including Mika Biereth, Chido Obi Martin, and Amario Cozier-Duberry but Arsenal need players ready and proven for the first-team squad if they are to win the title. They have been heavily linked to Benjamin Sesko while rumors continue to swirl about Victor Osimhen, Dominic Solanke, Joshua Zirkzee, and Brian Brobbey.
Alternatives: Rafael Leao OR Michael Olise OR Nico Williams
Dream 25-Man Final Squad at End of Window
Goalkeepers: David Raya, Álvaro Vallés, Karl Hein
Defenders: Ben White, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Ousmane Diomande, Gabriel Magalhães, Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Joao Neves, Declan Rice, Emile Smith Rowe, Kai Havertz, Fabio Vieira, Martin Ødegaard
Forwards: Johan Bakayoko, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard
Youth Prospects: Ayden Heaven, Reuell Walters, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Amario Cozier-Duberry, and Chido Obi Martin
Players Sold: Aaron Ramsdale, Nuno Tavares, Kieran Tierney, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Charlie Patino, Reiss Nelson, Marquinhos, and Eddie Nketiah