Arsenal's dream starting XI next season if transfer rumours prove true amid Benjamin Sesko 'talks'

Arsenal are now stepping into a 10-day transfer window that will run over the course of the next 10 days to cater for any disruption caused by the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The Gunners are pushing to strengthen over the course of this summer, and there are already reports that the club are in talks over their statement striker signing - Benjamin Sesko.

The Gunners have work to do if they want to wrap up the deal, and they have more work to do elsewhere, with other positions also in need of strengthening. Here we take a look at what Arsenal’s starting XI could look like next season.

GK - David Raya

Arsenal’s undoubted starting goalkeeper, Raya will keep the number one gloves for next season, although a new number two is required, and it looks like it will not be Joan Garcia. Garcia looks as though he is heading to Barcelona.

LB - Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal may yet strengthen at full-back, but Calafiori has shown his ability to turn up in big moments, and he might just win the left-back role. Myles Lewis-Skelly will have something to say about that during pre-season.

CB - Gabriel Magalhaes

Arsenal need a new centre-back to add competition to this position, but Gabriel will remain one of the starters if fit.

CB - William Saliba

The same can be said of Saliba, with he and Gabriel maintaining an excellent partnership.

RB - Ben White

White and Timber will battle for a starting spot on the right-hand side, but White’s consistency means he will be the starter for the most part barring any surprises.

CDM - Declan Rice

Rice is likely the first name on the team sheet, and he will be one of the starters in the holding midfield role.

CDM - Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal are not as close to signing Zubimendi as has been reported, but they do still look likely to get him. Arteta may well prefer to play with a double anchor to use alongside Rice, and that means the Real Sociedad star has an advantage over his former club and current national teammate Mikel Merino, who is more of an out-and-out midfielder.

CM - Martin Odegaard

Arsenal could do with better cover here, but club captain Odegaard is the undoubted starter.

LW - Nico Williams

The Gunners need another winger to properly compete with Gabriel Martinelli. Just how big they will spend to land a top winger remains to be seen, but they continue to be linked with Williams who has an affordable release clause. This would be an elite signing, and it would mean Martinelli slips to the bench.

RW - Bukayo Saka

Saka is the obvious starter on the other side, but if Arsenal were to sign Williams, all three would have to be on the top of their game to keep their starting spots. That’s the nature of true and proper competition - and Arsenal need it.

CF - Benjamin Sesko

Arsenal are reportedly in talks over a deal for Sesko and it should come as no surprise. RB Leipzig often sell for affordable - although still high - prices and it’s clear Arteta loves Sesko. Kai Havertz will want to compete for a starting role, but Arteta clearly wants more from his striker position and he appears to think Sesko can offer it.

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