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Arsenal's ideal XI after summer transfer window with Mason Mount and three other signings
Arsenal may have a breathtaking team for Mikel Arteta after the summer transfer window.
Arteta has seen 'sense of revenge' from Arsenal in title challenge
Mikel Arteta has taken Arsenal from top-four contenders to Premier League table-toppers during his time at the Emirates, through superb man-management and shrewd transfer market additions. Regardless of whether the Gunners do go on to lift the title in May, they will come again next season bolstered by several new signings.
Midfield additions are expected as Arsenal missed out on landing Moises Caicedo from Brighton in January, as several public advances were rebuffed by the Seagulls. Attention has recently been drawn to Mason Mount, who has less than 18 months left on his Chelsea contract and could be part of co-owner Todd Boehly’s impending fire sale at Stamford Bridge.
Recent injuries to William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiasyu may have convinced Arteta that further defensive help is needed. The Spaniard has turned to Rob Holding in recent weeks, but a versatile defender could be eyed to help cope with next year’s tougher schedule with Champions League football.
While several forwards have been linked ahead of the summer. In Gabriel Jesus’ absence, Eddie Nketiah stepped in ably but both he and Folarin Balogun may opt for first-team football ahead of next season and decide to leave north London - prompting the need for another striker. Here, Express Sport looks at a potential Arsenal XI next season with four new additions - including Mount.
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Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale has well and truly answered his critics since moving to the Emirates, proving himself to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League this season and it is unlikely that Arteta will consider moving on from the 24-year-old.
"I don't think I've ever been more wrong, or certainly this season proven wrong, [than] by Aaron Ramsdale,” Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports after Arsenal’s draw at Liverpool. “When Arsenal bought him I was scratching my head. I'll be honest, I could not believe it when they bought him. But how he's overtaken [Bernd] Leno – he's had to move on – and his position in the England squad now as well."
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Defence: Noussair Mazraoui, William Saliba, Gabriel, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Ben White has moved across to right-back and performed exceptionally well, but Arteta may feel that another specialist in that position could prove a worthwhile investment. Noussair Mazraoui has been a previous Arsenal target and recently admitted that his future at Bayern Munich is uncertain.
He could often rotate with White depending on the opposition and also provide cover for Oleksandr Zinchenko on the left, which could be crucial if Kieran Tierney is sold this summer.
Midfield: Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Martin Odegaard
Midfield investment appears to be pinpointed after the failed attempts to land Caicedo in January, though Arsenal could revisit that deal. They have also been previously mentioned as frontrunners in the race for West Ham skipper Declan Rice, The Hammers appear resigned to losing their star man, who could end up at the Emirates if his asking price is met by Arsenal.
He could be paired with England colleague Mount, as GOAL have claimed that talks have taken place regarding a potential move for the Chelsea star. Mount’s future is unclear at Stamford Bridge as contract talks have been paused, while Arsenal could take advantage of the Blues’ precarious financial situation.
Attack: Bukayo Saka, Dusan Vlahovic, Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal strongly considered purchasing Dusan Vlahovic when the Serbian was on his way out of Fiorentina, but pulled out of the race as he instead joined Juventus and the Gunners ended up with Jesus.
If Arteta’s outfit are interested in adding another striker to their options this summer, Vlahovic could be back on the market as reports have previously suggested that the Serie A giants may be tempted to part ways with him if a reasonable bid is made.