How Arsenal could line up with new-look midfield if Xhaka and Partey leave
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side fell just short of winning a first Premier League title for 19 years this season, despite leading the table for more than 90 per cent of the campaign.
While the Emirates faithful can be immensely proud of how far their young side pushed Manchester City this term, it ultimately wasn't enough and as a result, Arteta has a number of big decisions to make over the course of the summer window.
His job looks like it may only get harder if rumours surrounding the exits of both Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are to be believed. The former seems the more likely to leave imminently with a switch to Bayer Leverkusen in the works, but Partey could also be on the move amid interest from two Serie A outfits.
With that in mind, Mirror Football has taken a look at how the Gunners could line up on the opening day of the 2023/24 season.
No prizes for guessing who lines up between the sticks given Aaron Ramsdale penned a contract extension as recently as last week. The England international has enjoyed another impressive season in goal and could realistically be the Arsenal number one for many years to come.
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The first change comes at right-back, with Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, touted as a potential target. Arteta is well aware of the full-back's strengths from their shared time at the Etihad.
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Joao Cancelo looks unlikely to remain at Bayern Munich and Arsenal could swoop ((Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images))The same central defensive duo that looked rock solid for so long this season in William Saliba and Gabriel will remain at the heart of Arsenal's back-line, while Oleksandr Zinchenko will keep his place at left-back.
It is in the middle of the park where fans can expect the most upheaval, as with both Xhaka and Partey potentially going, Arteta will need at least two new central midfielders.
West Ham captain Declan Rice has long been on Arsenal's transfer wish list and the general consensus is that the 24-year-old will be donning the red and white next season, providing the Gunners match the Hammers' valuation of him - thought to be north of £90million.
When it comes to who could partner Rice, Arteta seems to have gone for experience over another young talent and made Ilkay Gundogan another one of his targets.
The German international is out of contract at the Etihad in the summer and is reportedly tempted by the idea of working under Arteta once again, though City are keen on trying to extend Gundogan's stay beyond the next two games.
Martin Odegaard has excelled during his first campaign as Arsenal captain and has netted a stunning 15 goals in the league alone this term, the Norwegian will remain one of the first names on the team sheet next season.
Ilkay Gundogan could reunite with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal next seasonThe same can be said for Bukayo Saka, who saw his new contract announced on Tuesday afternoon. The right-winger is tied to the Emirates until the summer of 2027, ensuring Arsenal secure the immediate future of one of the Premier League's brightest stars.
Gabriel Martinelli will line up on the opposite flank aiming to better his stellar return of 15 goals from this season, with the Brazilian also putting pen to paper on a new Arsenal contract back in February.
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Last summer's marquee summer signing Gabriel Jesus will surely lead the line, despite the fact there are murmurs that Arteta is prowling the market for another forward.
Potential Arsenal XI next season, (4-2-3-1):Ramsdale; Cancelo, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Gundogan; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
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