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How Arsenal could line up if Edu delivers Ruben Neves transfer and 4 other signings
Arsenal are being linked with a move for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves. Express Sport have taken a look at how the Gunners could line up next season if the club's summer spending goes to plan.
Arsenal: Arteta details plan to return to top four
It is set to be a busy summer for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta and transfer chief Edu plot a rebuild at the club. The Gunners could only manage a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League, missing out on European football for the first time in 25 years in the process.
New signings will be necessary for Arsenal to begin challenging for a top-four place once again with a number of positions in need of attention.
Ruben Neves is the latest player to be linked with a move to the Emirates, which would represent a positive addition to the group.
With this transfer in mind, Express Sport have taken a look at how Arsenal could be lining up next season…
Andre Onana
Bernd Leno has been linked with an exit from Arsenal this summer, with Andre Onana listed as the Gunners’ most likely replacement signing should the German depart.
The Cameroonian keeper is currently suspended from playing football due to a doping ban, though his 12-month ban that was handed out in February could be reduced.
Should this be the case, the Gunners are ready to pounce and will look to secure a cut-price deal.
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Kieran Tierney
There’s no debating who Arsenal’s first-choice left-back will be next season.
Tierney has been a major success since moving to the Emirates and looks set to become a key player for Arteta.
The Scottish defender will hope to put his injury troubles behind him heading into next campaign.
Max Aarons
Another possible signing for Arsenal.
Hector Bellerin is expected to leave the club this summer, paving the way for a new arrival.
Aarons is highly-rated by Norwich City and won’t be allowed to leave unless a substantial fee is offered by the Gunners.
The 21-year-old has already experienced life in the top-flight and would be a quality addition to the group.
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William Saliba
The French defender is set to return to north London this summer after a successful loan spell in Ligue 1 at Nice.
His impressive performances are likely to have earned the 20-year-old a place in Arteta’s system.
Gabriel
Gabriel enjoyed a positive first season in the Premier League and will be aiming for further improvement next term.
The Brazilian is likely to have a new partner in central defence, with Saliba emerging as the favourite candidate for this role.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey will be hoping to have more of an impact for the Gunners in the 2021/22 season.
The Ghanaian midfielder displayed moments of quality during his debut campaign, but only in spells.
Ruben Neves
Neves would certainly improve Arsenal’s midfield options if the club are able to complete a transfer.
He has become a key player for Wolves during his four years at Molineux, contributing both goals and assists.
Martin Odegaard
Having missed out on Emi Buendia, Martin Odegaard could now be seriously considered by transfer chief Edu.
The Norwegian made a positive impact during his short loan spell and could prove to be a useful, long-term purchase.
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang
Not at his best in the 2020/21 season, Aubameyang will be hopeful of leading by example once again for the Gunners.
He is likely to get the nod ahead of Alexandre Lacazette.
Bukayo Saka
An outstanding breakthrough campaign for Bukayo Saka is only likely to result in further opportunities being handed to the youngster.
Saka was a shining light in a poor season for the club and is showing signs of becoming a top player.
Moussa Dembele
Arsenal are understood to be plotting a move for French forward Moussa Dembele.
The 24-year-old has proven his goalscoring ability at Celtic and Lyon and could help to ease the Gunners’ struggles in the final third.
Potential Arsenal XI in full: Onana, Tierney, Gabriel, Saliba, Aarons; Partey, Neves, Odegaard; Aubameyang, Saka, Dembele.