Arsenal director Edu is reportedly looking to bolster the club’s ranks with a number of exciting new additions ahead of next season. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ollie Watkins have reportedly been earmarked to replace Alexandre Lacazette, who will be out of contract in the summer, while the Gunners are also said to be targeting a midfielder, defender and back-up goalkeeper.
Express Sport takes a look at the Arsenal squad that could be at Mikel Arteta’s disposal next season if all goes well over the next two transfer windows.
Goalkeepers – Ramsdale, JOHNSTONE, Okonkwo
Bernd Leno looks set to leave Arsenal in the foreseeable future, either in January or at the expiry of his contract at the end of the campaign.
The German stopper has been displaced by new recruit Aaron Ramsdale, who seems likely to retain the No 1 spot next season.
Arsenal were linked with England keeper Sam Johnstone over the summer and the 28-year-old could potentially be an option for the Gunners in a back-up role next year, with a free transfer on the cards if he fails to extend his current deal.
Meanwhile, youngster Arthur Okonkwo should continue to serve as the club’s third-choice stopper unless he is sent out on loan.
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Defence – Tomiyasu, AARONS, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Mari, Saliba, Tierney, Tavares
Arsenal’s defensive ranks could look very different next season, with the likes of Sead Kolasinac and Calum Chambers out of contract in the summer.
Meanwhile, Hector Bellerin looks certain to be sold upon returning from his loan spell at Real Betis, leaving Arsenal in need of another right-back.
Norwich City youngster Max Aarons has long been linked with the Gunners and a move for his services would fall in line with Arteta’s policy of recruiting players with considerable long-term potential.
William Saliba could also be primed to feature in a prominent role next season after the conclusion of his latest temporary spell with Marseille.
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Midfield – Partey, Lokonga, Xhaka, BISSOUMA, Maitland-Niles, Smith Rowe, Odegaard
Arsenal could be lighter in midfield by the time next season rolls around if Mohamed Elneny fails to extend his contract and the likes of Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira are sold on.
With that in mind, it seems as though a move for Brighton playmaker Yves Bissouma could emerge as a priority for the Gunners as early as January.
The Mali international has established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest midfield operators in recent years and has been linked with Arsenal since last season.
However, Brighton are under no financial pressure to sell their prized asset, meaning that any move for his services could prove to be costly.
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Attack – Pepe, Saka, WATKINS, Aubameyang, CALVERT-LEWIN, Martinelli, Balogun
Edu’s transfer plan ahead of January and next summer is reportedly centred around refreshing Arsenal’s options at the top of the pitch.
With Lacazette set to depart, Watkins and Calvert-Lewin are said to have been identified as the standout candidates to replace the Frenchman.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to land both players, who are likely to command significant transfer fees at Aston Villa and Everton respectively.
However, it seems certain that one or two new forwards will arrive over the coming months as the Gunners look to add more firepower as a matter of priority.