It’s been a delayed summer for almost every club in the Premier League. Even Arsenal, the champions, have been forced to wait as the market settles after the 2026 World Cup. So much so that they’re still on the hunt for reinforcements as the new campaign gets underway.
Those in North London will be well aware that there’s money to spend. Fans watched on as Andrea Berta set his sights on Vinicius Junior.
That would have been the most expensive deal in Premier League history. After that deal failed to come into fruition, the money hasn’t simply gone away.
Instead, Arsenal have refocused their budget onto other targets as they look to build Mikel Arteta‘s dream XI this season.
Arsenal’s dream defence
One area that doesn’t need changing is the backline, albeit Ezri Konsa has arrived from Aston Villa for around £50m.
The defence is and has been Arsenal’s greatest strength for a number of seasons now. It was the foundation of their Premier League title win last season and will continue to provide the platform for what many hope will be a more expansive side this season.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães continue to be the best centre-back partnership around, whilst Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are no slouches in their own right. The latter sent a timely reminder of his quality in the Community Shield, as did goalkeeper David Raya.
Although Konsa is on the way, neither would be long-term starters at the Emirates, with Saliba and Timber on their way back from injury in the early stages of the new campaign.
Arsenal’s dream defence: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori.
Arsenal’s dream midfield
After a fairly subdued first season, Martin Zubimendi has already been replaced in Arsenal’s midfield partnership. These days, it’s Bruno Guimaraes who will stand next to Declan Rice. The Brazilian arrived from Newcastle United ahead of the new season for a hefty fee of around £75m.
As far as the Gunners are concerned, though, he will prove to be worth every penny. Compared to Zubimendi, Guimaraes simply offers so much more from the heart of Arteta’s side.
|
Premier League stats 25/26 |
Guimaraes |
Zubimendi |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,455 |
3,001 |
|
Goals |
9 |
5 |
|
Tackles |
62 |
68 |
|
Recoveries |
135 |
116 |
Rice and Guimaraes will have the task of providing the foundation for Martin Odegaard to lead the attack. The Norwegian was already on form in the Community Shield against Manchester City, sitting Gianluigi Donnarumma down before finding Arsenal’s third.
With the pressure of a first title gone, Odegaard may well return to his most impressive form in what would be a major boost for everyone at the Emirates.
Now that Rodri and Bernardo Silva are no longer at Man City, a midfield three of Rice, Guimaraes and Odegaard is arguably the most complete that the Premier League has to offer. And titles are often won in the middle of the park.
Arsenal’s dream midfield: Rice, Guimaraes, Odegaard.
Arsenal’s dream attack
Arsenal’s attack has been the topic of much debate for a few years now. Jamie Carragher famously predicted that a player like Viktor Gyokeres would not solve Arteta’s problems in that department and he was spot on.
Whilst the Swede ended last season with 21 goals – only 14 of those came in the Premier League – and he particularly struggled against the top six. It’s once again raised serious questions about the Gunners’ frontline and whether they still need significant upgrades.
Just who that upgrade could be is the big question. The name Julian Alvarez instantly springs to mind. Atletico Madrid have been adamant about their star staying put, fending off bids from Real Madrid and Barcelona, but that doesn’t stop Arsenal from dreaming.
|
25/26 stats |
Alvarez |
Gyokeres |
|---|---|---|
|
Games |
49 |
55 |
|
Goals |
20 |
21 |
|
Assists |
9 |
3 |
|
Goal involvements against league’s top six |
8 |
4 |
In terms of complete forwards, who can drop deep and connect play in big games, Alvarez should be Arsenal’s top target. He would cost more £130m or more but, as we’ve established, the Gunners already teased spending such a price earlier in the window.
Those questions haven’t just arrived about Gyokeres, either. Arsenal have already welcomed a replacement for Leandro Trossard in the form of Christos Tzolis, but still there could be an upgrade on the way.
Rumours have suggested that Arsenal are now targeting a move to sign Kenan Yildiz from Juventus for £87m. The winger scored 11 goals and assisted another ten at Juventus last season and is one of the world’s top young talents at 21 years old.
He would undoubtedly offer extra star power on the left-hand side and put the nail in the coffin for Gabriel Martinelli’s Arsenal career.
In two moves, Yildiz and Alvarez can join Bukayo Saka in Arsenal’s attack, as their frontlines goes from their biggest weakness to their greatest strength to drive home a second-consecutive Premier League title.
Arsenal’s dream attack: Yildiz, Alvarez, Saka.