Mikel Arteta’s dream Arsenal XI as Viktor Gyokeres makes decision and three stars arrive
Arsenal are starting to make major moves in the summer transfer window as they bid to build a title-winning squad with talks over a deal for Viktor Gyokeres advancing
After weeks and weeks of speculation and questions over who Arsenal will sign to lead their attack next season, it seems as though we finally have our answer.
The Gunners and Sporting Lisbon are now said to be in ‘advanced talks’ over a blockbuster deal for Viktor Gyokeres, who has been one of the club’s top summer transfer targets alongside the RB Leipzig star, Benjamin Sesko. But the spending won’t stop there.
Adding a quality No.9 was at the top of Arsenal’s agenda this summer but they have other areas they wish to strengthen, too.
A new left winger is also on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist, while the addition of another midfielder – possibly two with Eberechi Eze now emerging as a serious target – is all but guaranteed.
With big-money deals for Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and more in the pipeline, Mirror Football runs the rule over how a new-look Arsenal could line up next season…
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal ‘agree’ Gyokeres deal, Liverpool seal £30m move, Man Utd chase midfielderREAD MORE: Arsenal finally make Viktor Gyokeres transfer decision with ‘blockbuster deal agreed’
In goal, David Raya will keep the gloves after another stellar season. But the capture of Kepa Arrizabalaga means the Spaniard will have fresh competition in the 2025-26 campaign as Arsenal push for the title.
Likewise, in defence we’re not expecting to see wholesale changes from a team which conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League. Myles Lewis-Skelly has been rewarded with a new contract after a breakthrough campaign and will continue at left-back with Ben White occupying the right-back berth. In central defence, Christian Mosquera may be added for depth but the imperious partnership between Gabriel and William Saliba isn’t being split up anytime soon.
As we move onto the Arsenal engine room, this is where things really start to get interesting. Martin Zubimendi is a done deal and will instantly be deployed in a deep-lying midfield role which should, in theory, free up Declan Rice to galivant forward.
Martin Odegaard will also sit in a three alongside Rice and Zubimendi, who will hopefully be able to inspire the Norwegian maestro back to his best form after a challenging 2024-25 campaign. If he doesn’t, then things could get very interesting indeed if Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze is pursued in the coming days.
In attack, Rodrygo is emerging as Arsenal’s top left winger target and would be a real statement signing. He was benched for the third match in a row at the Club World Cup by Real Madrid overnight and would add a new dimension to Arsenal’s frontline.
Bukayo Saka is another untouchable who is all but guaranteed to start in his favoured position on the right wing. That just leaves Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line; after plundering 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting Lisbon, it’s hoped he can bag the goals which will land Arsenal a first domestic title in over 20 years.
Potential Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Gyokeres, Rodrygo.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.