Arsenal summer transfers: Potential starting XI for 2022/23
By Sean Walsh
Arsenal made great strides during the 2021/22 season, but let Champions League qualification slip away from them down the final stretch.
The Gunners nevertheless showed a spirit, togetherness and most importantly the makings of a good football team for the first time since the Arsene Wenger era.
But Mikel Arteta's side can't afford to rest on their laurels and know they'll have to be even better next year if they're to break back into the top four.
With the help of some summer reinforcements, here's how Arsenal could line up for the 2022/23 season.
Arsenal 2022/23 goalkeepers
Following an impressive debut season in north London, Aaron Ramsdale is firmly the Gunners' first-choice between the sticks.
That means that the future of Bernd Leno is in doubt, with the Germany international expected to depart in search of first-team football.
Interestingly, YouTuber and goalkeeper Ben Foster has admitted he would be open to becoming Ramsdale's deputy despite being a Tottenham fan.
Arsenal 2022/23 defenders
One of Arsenal's biggest improvements last season came at the back, with Ben White and Gabriel forming a solid partnership in the heart of defence.
Rob Holding will remain cover at centre-back but Pablo Mari is likely to move on.
At full-back, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney were impressive when available, but both of their seasons were hampered by injuries and the Gunners could do with strengthening their depth in those areas.
Bologna and Scotland defender Aaron Hickey was of interest to Arsenal, but he is all set to join Brentford this summer. The Gunners are expected to keep Cedric around despite a wobbly end to the season. Nuno Tavares looked raw when thrown into the spotlight and could do with a loan.
Listen now to The Chronicles of a Gooner, 90min's Arsenal podcast. Each week, Harry Symeou discusses everything going in in the world of the Gunners.
Arsenal 2022/23 midfielders
Thomas Partey proved to be a revelation in midfield during the opening months of his second season in north London, but struggled to stay fit and Arsenal need further depth in his position.
Granit Xhaka finally became a dependable figure in the middle of the park, while Mohamed Elneny turned out to be a decent squad option and has signed a new one-year deal at the Emirates.
Youri Tielemans is of interest to Arsenal and would provide one thing their current midfielders don't really have in abundance - goals. Meanwhile, Ruben Neves is looking to leave Wolves and would provide an upgrade on Xhaka should the north Londoners pursue a deal for him.
Albert Sambi Lokonga may depart on loan should further players block his path into the starting lineup, while Martin Odegaard could be named club captain.
Arsenal 2022/23 forwards
Arsenal's biggest problems recently have come up top - they don't score enough goals.
Bukayo Saka (12), Emile Smith Rowe (11) and Eddie Nketiah (10) were their leading scorers in all competitions last season. While all markedly improved and have proven to be decent options in their own right, they need added competition.
And that competition will come in the form of new signing Gabriel Jesus. The former Man City man can play anywhere across the front three and looks like a shrewd signing by the club.
The pipedream for Gooners is a reunion with Serge Gnabry, though several other teams would be ahead in the queue to sign him should he leave Bayern Munich.
The Gunners' current record signing Nicolas Pepe is likely to be available for around £25m, roughly £50m less than what was paid for him back in 2019.
Elsewhere, Gabriel Martinelli has taken the number 11 shirt for the new season, and Alexandre Lacazette has left the club following the expiration of his contract.
Arsenal 2022/23 potential starting XI
- (GK) Aaron Ramsdale
- (RB) Takehiro Tomiyasu, (CB) Ben White, (CB) Gabriel, (LB) Kieran Tierney
- (CM) Ruben Neves (CM) Youri Tielemans, (AM) Martin Odegaard
- (RW) Bukayo Saka, (CF) Gabriel Jesus, (LW) Gabriel Martinelli