Arsenal could boast two different yet equally excellent starting XIs next season if they continue their impressive summer business.
The Gunners have already welcomed David Raya on a permanent deal and the new signing of Riccardo Calafiori so far this transfer window.
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Ahead of the new season, talkSPORT understands Mikel Arteta’s side are in talks with Real Sociedad for midfielder Mikel Merino.
We also reported earlier on Saturday that Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Julian Alvarez from their Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
Alvarez, who was part of his nation’s Copa America-winning squad this summer, revealed that he’d be considering his City future, saying: “I haven’t stopped to think about what I’m going to do.
“Last season I was one of the players who played the most minutes in the team.
“But it’s true: in the end, in some important games, it’s not pleasant to be left out. I will have time to consider my decision.
“I haven’t stopped to think things through calmly. Once the Olympic Games are over, I will take the time to reflect on what I want for myself.
“Maybe it’s annoying to be out in big games; players always want to help on the pitch.”
The north London outfit will surely challenge for the crown yet again if they’re able to sign both, and talkSPORT.com has looked at two ways in which they could line-up with the potential new additions.
Raya is set to retain his spot as Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper after keeping 20 clean sheets in all competitions last season on loan from Brentford.
Coming in as the new left-back could be Calafiori, who has joined in a deal from Bologna that could reach £38million with add-ons.
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Although the Italian international is most notably a centre-back, he has previously played as a full-back during his career.
One of the key reasons as to why Arsenal conceded the least goals in the Premier League last season – 29 – was their centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.
The Brazilian and French duo have proven incredibly difficult to face on various occasions and are one of the best partnerships in football.
Ben White will likely become the fourth centre-back to feature in the Arsenal backline having successfully moved into the right-back role under Arteta.
Sitting ahead of the defence to operate as their defensive midfielder will most certainly be Declan Rice.
He featured in all 38 of their league games last season, scoring an impressive seven goals and assisting a further nine.
Arsenal’s could be set to start two players in the no.8 role in front of Rice, with Sociedad star Merino possibly one of those included.
The 28-year-old, who previously played in the Premier League for Newcastle, starred for Spain during their Euro 2024 triumph and has a great eye for a pass in the middle of the park.
Club captain Martin Odegaard will likely play alongside him, with the Norwegian one of the best playmakers in the league.
He scored 11 goals and assisted another 11 in all competitions last season, with his creativity proving influential when the Gunners go forward.
Despite a difficult final few weeks in the previous campaign, Gabriel Martinelli could still be given the nod at left-wing by Arteta.
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However, should Arsenal complete the signing of two-time Premier League champion Alvarez from City, the boss’ thinking could change.
Although an appearance of the left of the attack with the reigning champions isn’t the go-to, he has played there for Argentina.
Alvarez also boasts a strong right foot, so he would be able cut inside and fire towards goal should the opportunity arise.
The 24-year-old could also find himself starting in a central attacking role in Arsenal’s front three given his success there for City and his country.
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Kai Havertz would likely be his strongest competition for that spot as he ended the 2023/24 campaign with 14 goals in all competitions despite his slow start.
Completing the line-up is their star man Bukayo Saka, whose 20 goals and 14 assists last season make him worthy of starting for any top club across Europe.
Arsenal start their season with a home clash with Wolves on Saturday, August 17.
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