Arsenal could be even stronger next season if they have a good summer (Image: Getty)
Arsenal are still basking in the glory of their monumental victory over Atletico Madrid. It was one of the most memorable nights in the club’s history as they narrowly won the second leg of the Champions League semi-final at home, winning 2-1 on aggregate and sealing their place in the final for the first time since 2006.
The performance of each player and the contribution of the supporters suggest everything is coming together as Mikel Arteta’s side chase history with just four games remaining in the two most prestigious competitions. Three wins from three games will seal the Premier League title for the first time since 2004, while the club will have the chance to win a European trophy for the first time in its history in Budapest later this month.
But considering how they could line up in 2026/27, the North Londoners could be even stronger next season…
The Spaniard has quietly cemented his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in world football. Raya brings composure under pressure when the opposition tries to mount a high press, and has the ability to accurately distribute the ball, whether playing short plays or launching long balls.
This season he has produced some amazing acrobatic stops at key moments and continues to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Right-back – Julian Timber
Despite the injury concerns over the past month, Timber’s performance, especially in the first half of the season, shouldn’t be underestimated.
He was one of the team’s most skilled one-on-one defenders, and was the center of the backline, not allowing a single shot on target in several games.
After Christmas, fatigue led to a slight dip in his performance, but the Dutchman remains one of the best players in his position in the country.
Center backs – William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães
Saliba and Gabriel have rightly established themselves as one of the best central defensive pairings in European football in recent years. Saliba performs his duties with such ease that his defensive work often goes unnoticed, while Gabriel, as the dynamic core of the rearguard, poses fierce challenges and commands the aerial duel.
Arsenal will want to keep both of them for years to come, but trophies are all that stands between them and the admiration and respect that Steve Bould and Tony Adams once brought.
Left back – Riccardo Calafioli
There are compelling reasons for Arteta to continue playing with the Italian despite his repeated fitness problems. Calafioli would be a real gem if acquired, and is equally capable as an attacking left-back, a solid centre-half or a cultured figure who moves into the infield.
Piero Hincapie may offer a slight improvement defensively, but Calafioli’s attacking ability makes him the clear first choice on the left.
Central midfielders – Declan Rice and Miles Lewis-Skelly
Arsenal’s midfield balance has looked shaky for the majority of the season. As the season progressed, it became clear that summer signing Martin Zvimendi, given all his defensive attributes, was not the number six many expected.
The Spaniard is excellent at disrupting attacks across the pitch and sneaking into opposition penalty areas unnoticed, but he is not Arsenal’s solution to Rodri when it comes to dictating the rhythm of the game or supplying passes between the lines.
So pairing him with Rice, who has an exceptional work rate and is calm in possession but equally undemanding to make incisive passes, has meant that the Gunners have consistently lacked creativity in the middle of the pitch this season.
However, over the past two games, Arteta seems to have acknowledged that he needs a player who can provide a more forward-thinking delivery and bolder play when facing opposition midfielders.
That man was Lewis Skelly, who was introduced in the clashes against Fulham and Atlético, making his first appearance for the first team in midfield in two of the most pressure-packed games of the season, and was praised for his flawless performance.
Declan Rice and Miles Lewis-Skelly could form a formidable partnership in midfield (Image: Getty)
Eze’s match-winning qualities became increasingly evident throughout the campaign. He incorporates more intensity into his game when pressing to compensate for his ability to get around defenders. This makes him an essential part of Arsenal’s team, as he is one of the few players able to break through compact defenses and create a numerical advantage.
His natural instinct for finding the back of the net is another invaluable quality, as evidenced in key moments this season.
Eze’s arrival means Arsenal will need to appoint a new captain, as struggling Martin Odegaard will have to be moved to the substitute bench. Saka is currently vice-captain, but Rice has stepped up admirably during his absence this season, leading the team on and off the pitch at key moments.
Therefore, it is only natural that the midfield powerhouse should be entrusted with the permanent captaincy from now on.
Saka’s performances may not have reached the heights many expected this season, but the Arsenal fan favorite has shown in recent games exactly how influential he can be when fully fit.
Achilles problems continue to hamper the winger and his playing time will need to be closely monitored.
Despite this, he is one of the best operators in the game when it comes to decision-making, almost always making the right pass or choosing the perfect moment to move away from his marker.
Left Wing – Bradley Barcola
The only position where Arsenal can clearly strengthen their squad this summer is on the left wing. Gabriel Martinelli contributed an important goal in the Champions League and Leandro Trossard showed great quality throughout the season.
However, neither player represents a true world-class solution. Arsenal need a winger who has Martinelli’s incredible speed but also shows Trossard’s technical proficiency.
Barcola, who is valued at around £60m by Transfermarkt, would therefore be the most suitable candidate. The Frenchman is deadly on the break, but he can also dislodge defensive blocks as well, showing smooth dribbling and excellent off-the-ball movement.
Given Luis Enrique’s penchant for wide options, he is understood to be open to a summer move and Arsenal should make every effort to secure his signature.
Barcola’s sporadic playing time has hampered his form this season, but his true talent was clear last season, when he scored 44 goals in 64 appearances.
Striker – Victor Gokeres
The debate over Gokeres continued throughout the election campaign. There is little doubt that his hold-up play and technical qualities have at times fallen short of expectations.
However, everything seems to have clicked for the Swede in recent weeks, with him producing the kind of performances Arsenal No. 9 supporters have been yearning for for years.
His performance against Atletico was arguably his best in an Arsenal shirt. Gökeres proved to be a constant threat to opponents, exploiting the spaces between defenders, troubling opponents, and linking up with his teammates, along with his strong hitting ability.
Of course, there are still matches where Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino are better options due to their technical abilities. However, as a consistent week-to-week striker, Gokeres justifies being selected into the starting lineup on a regular basis rather than not moving forward.
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