Home Back

Riccardo Calafiori, Nico Williams and Joshua Kimmich in with Gabriel Martinelli and Jurrien Timber benched in new-look Arsenal

talksport.com 3 days ago

Arsenal look set for another for another busy summer as Mikel Arteta looks to end the club's 21-year wait for the Premier League title.

The Gunners are poised to splash the cash yet again - adding to the £250m they forked out in 2023.

7

Arteta is looking to guide Arsenal to a first Premier League title since 2004
Arteta is looking to guide Arsenal to a first Premier League title since 2004

Arteta's side have already confirmed the £27m arrival of goalkeeper David Raya having turned his loan spell into a permanent switch.

And this looks poised to be one of many incomings at the Emirates, with a versatile defender, midfielder and forward all on the club's wish list.

It is believed that Arsenal aim to sell a number of players - including Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Aarom Ramsdale - to help fund their purchases.

Arsenal had been keen to bring in a new striker with Benjamin Sesko eyed up, but he has decided to remain at RB Leipzig after signing a new deal in Germany.

The Gunners are understood to have him on their radar ahead of a possible move next summer, which could see Kai Havertz lead the line in the upcoming season.

This may see Arsenal turn towards bringing in a high-profile winger such as Nico Williams - in addition to potentially securing the services of Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Kimmich.

Here talkSPORT.com takes a look at how the north London giants could start against Wolves on the opening game of the 2024/25 campaign should they land the three players - all of whom have starred at Euro 2024.

Following Raya's arrival, the Spaniard will keep his place as the club's No1 between the sticks having won the Golden Glove with 16 clean sheets.

7

Arsenal have turned Raya's loan spell at the Emirates into a permanent switch
Arsenal have turned Raya's loan spell at the Emirates into a permanent switch

7

Italian defender Calafiori is on Arsenal's radar ahead of a possible summer move
Italian defender Calafiori is on Arsenal's radar ahead of a possible summer move

7

Bayern midfielder Kimmich is also claimed to be of interest to the Gunners
Bayern midfielder Kimmich is also claimed to be of interest to the Gunners

Slotting in at right-back would be Ben White, who has become one of the league's best full-backs since transitioning from his natural centre-back position.

But there could be one change made to Arsenal's formidable backline, with talkSPORT understanding that versatile Bologna star Calafiori is a target.

Emmanuel Petit reveals that Napoli's Victor Osimhen is the one player he wants Arsenal to sign this summer

The 22-year-old helped Bologna to a fifth-placed finish in Serie A, with his reputation growing following his dazzling displays for Italy at the European Championship.

His capability of playing as a centre-back and as an inverted left-back is appealing to Arteta, though it would leave him with a headache over where he features.

And with William Saliba and Gabriel Magaelhaes boasting one of the best centre-back partnerships in the top-flight, Arteta may be reluctant to break it up.

This would see Calafiori slot in on the left side of defence, which would keep Jurrien Timber, who spent almost the entirety of last season out with a knee injury, on the bench.

Most read in Football

He would then join Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney as back-up options.

It's no secret that Arsenal are keen on bringing in a defensive midfielder, with Bayern Munich's Kimmich touted as a possible option.

The German maestro has just a year left on his deal at the Allianz Arena, with Vincent Kompany's side prepared to cash in on him to avoid losing him on a free.

And it is believed that the 29-year-old would welcome a move to Arsenal should he decide for a new adventure away from the Bundesliga.

7

Spain winger Williams has emerged as one of the stars of Euro 2024
Spain winger Williams has emerged as one of the stars of Euro 2024

7

This could be how Arsenal line up next season should they land three top targets
This could be how Arsenal line up next season should they land three top targets

He would then start ahead of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, which would allow Declan Rice to continue thriving in his new box-to-box role.

Skipper Martin Odegaard would complete the midfield three, with the Norwegian recognised as one of Europe's top playmakers.

Hale End graduate Bukayo Saka would then keep his place on the right wing after hitting record figures last campaign - chipping in with 20 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.

But there could be a huge change on the opposite flank, which would see Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard drop to the bench.

talkSPORT reported last month how Arsenal were keeping tabs on Athletic Bilbao star Williams, who has starred for Spain at Euro 2024.

With a release clause of £47m, the speedy 21-year-old could be at the centre of a transfer tug of war between many teams across Europe.

And if Arteta was to overlook bringing in a new centre-forward, Havertz would likely retain his starting spot up top ahead of Gabriel Jesus.

7

This is another way of how Arsenal could start if they bring in Calafiori, Kimmich and Williams
This is another way of how Arsenal could start if they bring in Calafiori, Kimmich and Williams
People are also reading