Arsenal's dream £690.3m starting XI next season if transfer rumours prove true

Arsenal have been left to stare down the barrel of a disappointing season, one that will end without silverwear after their exit from the Champions League on Wednesday night. The Gunners came up short against PSG, losing both legs and, in truth, they were outclassed by their French opponents.

Injuries haven’t helped the Gunners, but given the club’s spending over recent years, and the likely spending this summer, the expectation on Arteta to deliver trophies is likely to intensify. A big summer awaits, with a new sporting director at the helm in Andrea Berta, and with that in mind, we have rounded up a possible Arsenal starting XI for next season, along with each player’s Transfermarkt value, which adds up to a whopping starting XI worth of £690.3million.

GK - David Raya - £33.9m

Arsenal need another goalkeeper to have better competition for Raya, but the Spaniard will remain the number one, and he has earned that right.

RB - Ben White - £42.3m

White will battle with Jurrien Timber for a right-back starting role, but Arteta seems to prefer White and what he offers on the right-hand side. The Englishman will likely be the preferred starter when available.

CB - Gabriel Magalhaes - £63.5m

There is often talk of interest in Gabriel, but Arsenal are not going to sell, and especially not while their window to win titles is open.

CB - William Saliba - £67.8m

The same can be said of Saliba, who has been linked with Real Madrid and others. Arsenal see him as a fixture of their future, and he will be kept to remain a starter.

LB - Riccardo Calafiori - £33.9m

This is a tough one to call, but Arteta will likely be choosing between the players currently in his squad, even if another back-up is signed. Calafiori will largely be battling with Myles Lewis-Skelly, although Timber can also play here, of course. If he can stay fit, Calafiori may have the edge given his experience and the way Arteta wants to play further forward, while Lewis-Skelly will make the battle a tight one, also able to play in midfield,

CM - Declan Rice - £93.2m

Rice is likely the first name on the Arsenal team sheet. The Gunners rely heavily on the Englishman, and that is not going to change any time soon.

CM - Mikel Merino - £29.6m

Merino has had to play further forward in the second half of the season, but he should be given the opportunity to play in his usual position next season. Martin Zubimendi has been linked, but Arsenal have other priorities, and Merino may keep his starting place either way.

CAM - Martin Odegaard - £84.7m

Another of the early names on the team sheet, Arsenal’s captain remains a key player for Arteta. Although, Arsenal arguably need to strengthen this position to have a better deputy, as shown earlier this season.

RW - Bukayo Saka - £127.1m

Arsenal’s main danger man will be hoping for another contract, and he should get one before long. Saka will be a starter next season regardless of a new deal, judging by his recent comments.

LW - Nico Williams - £59.3m

With a release clause a touch over £50million, Williams looks likely to go somewhere this summer, even with his obvious love for Athletic Club and the city of Bilbao. Arsenal need better competition for Gabriel Martinelli, and he would be some signing out wide, already a clear winning, as proven last summer with Spain when he turned up time and again on the biggest stage.

CF - Benjamin Sesko - £55.1m

Arsenal need a new striker, there is no doubt about that. but who will they decide upon? With Sesko only 21 years of age and a player who is more than willing to be involved in build-up play, something Arteta loves in his strikers, it seems the Slovenian might be the leading option. He is said to be available for between £60million and £70million.

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