As an Arsenal supporter, so many aspects of the nearly concluded 2022-23 Premier League season have left us feeling both elated and yet disappointed in equal measure.
To go toe-to-toe with the juggernaut that is Manchester City was proof that the process under Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar is on the right track. If anything, we are well ahead of schedule in that regard. By contrast, there is just cause to feel downtrodden after the recent run of poor form has stripped the club of its chance to win its first league title in nearly twenty years.
But despite the mixed bag of emotions, there is no argument against the fact that Arsenal has been one of the top sides in the country and looks good value to continue in that vein moving forward. But in order to keep hold of second-spot and continue in their efforts when it comes to hopefully catching City, serious investment will be needed in the summer.
With reports suggesting that the club could spend up to £200m to reinforce the senior squad across a number of key positions, while also handing down key contract extensions to untouchable talents, how will the Gunners greet the new Premier League season a few months from now? 101 Great Goals takes a look at what Arsenal could look like on matchday one in 2023-24.
GK: Aaron Ramsdale – A supreme shot-stopper and one of the chief reasons behind Arsenal’s continued progression, England international Aaron Ramsdale is a difficult piece to upgrade on even if the Gunners wanted to. Having recently signed fresh terms with the club, he’s the club’s number one for the foreseeable future.
RB: Mohamed Simakan – There is little to suggest that the French defender would necessarily immediately replace fan-favorite Ben White in Arteta’s XI, but links with the RB Leipzig man certainly raised eyebrows in recent weeks. Capable of being deployed effectively at either right-back or the right side of the center-back pairing, his addition would add fantastic quality of depth in defense.
LCB: Gabriel Magalhães – For many, Gabriel Magalhães has been one of the top center-backs in England across the last two seasons. Whether or not you agree, the Brazilian defender is another key component of the project under Arteta at Arsenal. Difficult to upgrade on, but there remains no reason to as he should command the same place in the team for a little while yet.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – The question surrounding Ukrainian star Oleksandr Zinchenko is a difficult one. On the one hand, the way he helps Arsenal go about their business on the pitch when in possession is invaluable to the point where his absence is sorely felt. But questions regarding his ability to defend are valid. Still, he is likely the first choice moving forward unless the Gunners plan unexpected business this summer.
RCM: Declan Rice – In what would be a massive coup for Arsenal given his standing in England as well as the European landscape, Arsenal remains heavily linked with interest in West Ham United captain Declan Rice. Should the Gunners complete the big-money move for the 24-year-old, they could certainly be ready to have another crack at hunting down Manchester City in 2023-24.
LCM: İlkay Gündoğan – Recent reports suggest that Arteta is very keen on reuniting himself with German veteran international and Manchester City star İlkay Gündoğan, who is out of contract at the end of the season. Though Pep Guardiola is keen to sign him on an extension, the Gunners could make a play for the former Borussia Dortmund man as the ideal replacement for the departing Granit Xhaka.
CAM: Martin Ødegaard – One of a cadre of Arsenal players who would have a genuine short for player of the season by the estimation of many, Gunners captain Martin Ødegaard has delightfully developed into one of the premier playmakers in England, with some suggesting he’s one of the top minds in Europe. A cornerstone at the club, he, like a few others, is irreplaceable.
RW: Bukayo Saka – Now on fresh terms and a vastly improved contract for the next four years, there is no denying who the true face of the club is; Hale End product Bukayo Saka. Despite the many trying times he has faced at both club and international level, Saka continues to rise above while developing into one of the finest young players anywhere on the planet. As untouchable as any other, and then some.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – Questions surrounding some of his dip in form across certain phases of the season left some fans frustrated with the young Brazilian, but Gabriel Martinelli’s talent is unquestioned. Now with more goals in his game and an ability to drive play down the left flank, the international winger makes up one piece of a young core that will hopefully define an entire era at the club.
CF: Gabriel Jesus – There are a fair few Arsenal fans that have lost patience with Gabriel Jesus. He started so well in the beginning of the season since his arrival at City, but an injury on international duty at the World Cup this past winter saw the club miss him for months. His return has been less than stellar apart from a decent purple patch of form, and though quite a few want the club to either purchase a forward of higher stature – or throw Folarin Balogun into the breach – Jesus’ systemic importance cannot be argued against.
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Predicted Arsenal XI
