The summer transfer window doesn't officially open for another month but Arsenal are already making moves to assemble the perfect first-team squad ahead of the 2022/23 season.
As per football.london, the Gunners have already agreed a deal with New England Revolution for goalkeeper Matt Turner, who is set to become their first signing of the summer in June. The 27-year-old is currently USA's first choice shot-stopper, having impressed in the MLS.
This isn't likely to be the only piece of business the Gunners do, though, with Mikel Arteta expected to be busy as they prepare for European football next season. Arsenal currently sit fourth in the Premier League, four points above fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the north London derby on Thursday.
Whether the Gunners qualify for the Champions League will no doubt determine the quality of player they can attract in the summer. No matter what competition Arsenal are in next season, however, Arteta has suggested he would like a squad of 25.
With that in mind, going off Arsenal.com, there are 18 outfield first-team players listed which means four signings are required for Arteta to have the ideal squad size. But with Mohamed Elneny, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract next month, if none of the trio are retained then the Gunners will have 15 senior outfield players left, meaning they would need seven new players.
A number of stars across Europe have already been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, with another midfielder, two forwards and a full-back amongst the positions mentioned. However, Arteta could well look close to home in the Premier League to achieve his ideal line-up. Here is a potential Arsenal XI next term, sticking to the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Aaron Ramsdale
The England international has been in fine form since joining from Sheffield United for around £30million last summer. After quickly replacing Bernd Leno as the Gunners' No.1, Ramsdale has firmly cemented himself in the side, keeping 15 clean sheets in 36 games.
There is a question to be had about whether he should be England's first-choice shot-stopper ahead of Jordan Pickford, with Ramsdale making some impressive saves throughout the campaign. He has also shown he is more than capable with the ball at his feet, often looking composed to play out from the back.
Takehiro Tomayasu, Gabriel, Ben White, Kieran Tierney
Since the start of September, only Manchester City and Liverpool have conceded fewer goals than Arsenal's 33 in the league. A major reason for their excellent defensive record is the consistency of the back-four.
Tomayasu has made a huge difference at right-back following his move from Bologna, while Tierney grabbed one goal and three assists before injuring his knee last month. Meanwhile, White, who joined from Brighton last summer, has been immense at the back alongside Gabriel.
Bologna's Aaron Hickey has been tipped with a move to the Gunners and would provide excellent cover at left-back with Cedric capable of deputising on the other flank. Following Callum Chambers' departure in January, Arsenal could also make a move for another centre-back to provide more depth with Joachim Anderson and Pau Torres both linked with the club.
Youri Tielemans, Thomas Partey
Moving on into midfield, this is a position Arsenal will surely strengthen. Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have formed an impressive partnership as the holding pair this season, but have started together just 15 times in the Premier League due to injuries and suspensions.
This has meant the likes of Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga have had to fill in when required, often leaving Arsenal short in some of the so-called "bigger" matches. Rumours have suggested Tielemans is their preferred target to come in this summer, with a reported £40million move lined-up from Leicester City.
The Belgium international has a year left on his current contract at the Foxes and is supposedly open to a move to north London. If this deal gets completed, Tielemans would likely partner Partey with Xhaka, Elneny and Lokonga providing excellent back-up.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Raheem Sterling
One of the first names on the teamsheet, Saka has been Arsenal's standout performer this season, recording the most goals (12) and second-highest assists (6) at the club. He would occupy the right-hand side, allowing him the chance to cut inside on to that dangerous left foot.
Another young talent, Odegaard has surprised many with his performances in 2021/22. The Norweigen international has made the No.10 role his own and is key to link the midfield and forward line.
The last name in the attacking midfield three could be a new signing with the Gunners reportedly interested in signing Raheem Sterling. Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith-Rowe have both been in and out of the team this season, which may see Arteta bring in another winger and Sterling could be a fine addition given his experience both domestically and in Europe.
Gabriel Jesus
With Arsenal set to have no senior striker in the squad come the summer, Arteta has to add another forward to his ranks if they want to compete in Europe. And they could raid Manchester City to the signing of Jesus, who has been linked with a move to the Gunners after scoring 13 times in 39 games this term.
Potential Arsenal line-up next season (4-2-3-1) : Ramsdale; Tomayasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Tielemans, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Sterling; Jesus
