Mikel Arteta is preparing for another attempt at winning the Premier League. (Image: Getty)
Arsenal will kick off their pre-season preparations when they take on Bournemouth in the United States on Thursday morning.
It’s the first of five friendlies for the Gunners, who will also line up against Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon as part of a gruelling pre-season schedule.
Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal players are under no illusions that the aim - once again - for the upcoming campaign is to win the Premier League.
Only once before had Arsenal finished back-to-back Premier League seasons as runners-up, with the north Londoners desperate to right the wrongs of the previous two campaigns.
And in preparation for the new Premier League season, Express Sport have highlighted what Arsenal’s dream squad might look like after the transfer window slams shut.
Goalkeepers: David Raya, Aaron Ramsdale, Karl Hein, Tommy Setford
Not that everybody would’ve realised, but Arsenal have already confirmed their first signing of the window, with David Raya making his £27million move from Brentford permanent.
In a dream world, Aaron Ramsdale - who was relegated to second choice last season - would stick around and deputise for the Spanish shot-stopper again this year. But Arsenal could lose the England international, should he push for a transfer away from the Emirates Stadium.
Defenders: William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zincheknko, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori could add another dimension to Arsenal's backline. (Image: Getty)
Having missed close to all of the 2023/24 campaign, Jurrien Timber’s return will act as a ‘new signing’, while also helping to alleviate the burden on first-choice right-back Ben White.
On the opposite side of defence, Arteta will be hoping Riccardo Calafiori can slot into his backline, in place of Jakub Kiwior, who looks likely to be moved on.
Kieran Tierney’s future remains an unknown, but if Arsenal can land a fee for the injury-prone Scot, it could boost their transfer kitty for improvements needed further up the pitch.
Imperious duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are likely to start together when fit, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zincheknko providing cover on the flanks.
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Midfielders: Jorginho, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith-Rowe, Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly
It’s pretty much as you were in the midfield department for Arsenal, with Mikel Merino in for Thomas Partey their only major deal in that department.
Merino was part of the Spain side that waltzed their way to Euro 2024 glory earlier this summer, with reports suggesting a fee as low as £25million could tempt Real Sociedad into a sale. While Partey, who turned 31 during the off-season, could generate some cash for Edu and co. to work with by being sold.
The Spanish international's arrival would ease the pressures on the likes of Jorginho, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, with the trio having shouldered most of the Arsenal workload last season.
Emile Smith-Rowe sticks around in Arteta’s ideal summer scenario, despite interest from Premier League clubs, while youngster Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly provide cover as squad players.
Arsenal are believed to want a striker this summer. (Image: Getty)
Attackers: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Alexander Isak
Scorers of 91 goals last season, on its day, the Arsenal attack is as formidable as any in the division.
However, on more than one occasion, the eventual runners-up looked in desperate need of a centre forward, with Alexander Isak mooted as the perfect option.
Arteta might have to cross his fingers for this one to happen, given Newcastle United are believed to be wanting upwards of £100million for the Swede’s signature.
But, if Arsenal cough up the funds and sign Isak, he’d provide the perfect partner for Bukayo Saka and one of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard on the left.
It could mean a reduced role for £65million man Kai Havertz, who bagged 13 Premier League goals last term, while Gabriel Jesus would retain his spot as a rotational option in Arsenal’s attack.
