Mikel Arteta’s dream Arsenal XI with Man Utd and Newcastle stars joining title push

Arsenal fell agonisingly short of an historic season as their chances of a Premier League title ended on the final day of the season.

The Gunners were two points shy of Manchester City’s total and now must reassess this summer ahead of launching yet another attempt. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu will already be hard at work in a bid to improve their side to take on Pep Guardiola and co.

Edu has already commented on the club’s transfer plan. “You can’t sign for the sake of signing,” he said.

“This has to be a process that takes weeks and weeks. On my table, I have reports with over 180 pages of a player. It is really detailed. Physical, technical, mental profile – if you have experience of Premier League, if you will be able to adapt. It has it all.

“We analyse our shortcomings, where we can improve, where we can invest and from there we go in search of this new name. What I am going to do now, we have been discussing since January. It is not my decision or Mikel. It’s from a whole group.”

The north London side will be taking a considered approach in the coming months but will likely see some new faces in the side in time for next season. Who could make Arteta’s dream XI for the opening day? Mirror Football takes a look.

David Raya is set to see his loan move turn permanent at the Emirates, while Aaron Ramsdale looks likely to depart. The Spanish goalkeeper cemented himself as the club’s No.1 last term after arriving when the season was already underway.

Arsenal’s backline was a real strength last term as the side kept more clean sheets than anyone else. It is difficult to look past Ben White continuing at right back after truly making the role his own, while William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have proven a fearsome partnership.

Left back was an area of inconsistency last term. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu all featured in the position in 2023/24 but it is perhaps Jurrien Timber who could earn a place in the starting XI next term.

The Dutch defender played in Arsenal’s first and last games of the season after missing the bulk of the season with an ACL injury. The 22-year-old offers flexibility for Arteta but full back may provide his quickest route into the side.

Declan Rice’s arrival last summer felt like a landmark move for the Gunners and he proved a crucial cog, while Martin Odegaard produced an outstanding season as captain of the club. There remains an opportunity to fill out Arsenal’s midfield however, particularly if Thomas Partey departs in the coming weeks.

Bruno Guimaraes has long been a figure of interest for Arsenal, and the Brazilian’s release clause is active in June for suitors to take advantage of. The Newcastle star would help provide some control as the Gunners look to go further in the Premier League and Champions League.

Bukayo Saka is a true undroppable of Arsenal’s side and Kai Havertz’s end to the season may see him favoured in a forward role while a prospective new signing in Benjamin Sesko acclimatises to life in the Premier League. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard could yet face new competition however when they return from the Copa America and EURO 2024 respectively.