But the general consensus is Arteta’s side have again breached gap to Pep Guardiola and co, and are expected to again be the main challengers this time around.
Sporting director Edu has been urged to further bolster the squad, and the north London team could field a different looking starting XI come August if the Brazilian pursues the two names he’s been encouraged to sign, as well as a pair of young stars the club have already been linked with.
Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has publicly urged his ex-employers to capitalise on the uncertainty at Manchester United by signing Marco Rashford and Raphael Varane. The French defender is already confirmed to be leaving Old Trafford this summer after his contract expired, while England forward Rahsford remains linked with a move away after struggling for form last season.
“I would love to see Marcus Rashford at Arsenal,” the Frenchman told CoinPoker. “I think if you added Rashford to the attack, with the pace that he has, they would destroy the opposition. Adding Rashford to an extremely talented squad would be a frightening prospect for their rivals.
“I think he could have amazing chemistry with Gabriel Jesus. I can see those two players clicking, pushing each other, and respecting each other. I think they could complement each other really well.”
Could Marcus Rashford and Raphael Varane feature for Arsenal next season? (Image: Getty)
As for his former international team-mate, Sagna added: “Of course, Raphaal Varane would be a good addition for a leading Premier League club because he's a top player. He has such a wealth of experience and has won so many trophies during his career.
“I actually think he would be a brilliant signing. Varane would be a perfect fit for the vibe of the club because of his winning mentality and personality. He would get on really well with the players in the squad because he is a great player and a great man.
“He would be perfect cover for either William Saliba or Gabriel and could step into the team when either of those players needed a rest or if they were to get injured. Arsenal need some more quality in reserve in central defence and Varane would be a wonderful addition.”
The club have already been tipped to bid for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko this summer, with the Slovenian reportedly expressing his desire to move to Arsenal if they are prepared to trigger his £55m release clause. And Benfica teenager Joao Neves, already featuring regularly in midfield for Portugal, has also been strongly linked and like Sesko, is expected to cost around £55m.
And with Jurrien Timber set to be fully fit after nearly a year out with injury, Arteta could potentially field a line-up vastly different to the one he used for much of last season. The Likes of Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz could be the players affected, but the potential squad depth for Arteta could be critical in his title bid.
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