In November 2024 the shock information emerged that Edu was to depart Arsenal behind after plenty of profitable years because the membership’s sporting director.
The Brazilian’s observe file was not flawless however he was nonetheless the person who helped the Gunners deliver £105m man Declan Rice to the Emirates Stadium.
Since his exit, the membership’s switch coverage has been questioned with interim director Jason Ayto failing to make use of the winter window to strengthen.
Arsenal wanted a brand new ahead however sadly that wasn’t forthcoming. They may now have to take a look at the summer time market as a substitute.
Their recruitment within the coming months will now be pushed by Andrea Berta. As soon as of Atletico Madrid, the north Londoners are reportedly closing in on hiring the Italian, aged 53.
His recruitment is eye-catching, with Atleti notably signing the likes of Rodri and Julian Alvarez beneath his wing.
So, what may Arteta’s beginning lineup appear to be as soon as Berta has completed his summer time recruitment? Properly, we’re predicting it to look fairly thrilling…
1
Goalkeeper – David Raya
The primary spot isn’t any shock. Since changing Aaron Ramsdale because the membership’s stopper, he has gone from power to power.
Regardless of some questionable positioning for Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick up at Previous Trafford on Sunday, he was in imperious type, maintaining the Portuguese and Noussair Mazraoui at bay with some late goalkeeping heroics.
2
Proper again – Ben White
Heading into the 2025/26 season, the right-back spot is slightly unclear. With Ben White out by way of harm, Jurrien Timber has carried out a implausible job, scoring twice and aiding three targets.
That stated, White is a agency fan favorite and his link-up play with Bukayo Saka is game-changing. It is probably he’ll get his place again as soon as match.
3
Centre-back – William Saliba
Who else? Arsenal may have plenty of choices within the centre of defence subsequent time period with Riccardo Calafiori vying for a job and Timber prone to be freed up once more to play in just a few defensive positions.
Saliba, nevertheless, is among the finest round. He is solely missed two Premier League video games all time period and that was because of harm and suspension.
4
Centre-back – Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal’s trusty defensive duo will little doubt be key because the Gunners go in quest of ending their league title drought.
It is now over 20 years since they final received England’s prime prize however in Gabriel and Saliba, they arguably have the best defensive partnership round.
5
Left-back – Myles Lewis-Skelly
There are just a few contenders for this place however we count on the 18-year-old to make it his personal subsequent time period after a rollercoaster time of it within the first-team to this point.
From that memorable aim towards Manchester Metropolis, his self-discipline has additionally been known as into query, receiving two purple playing cards in 2025 to date.
That stated, he is one of many best younger gamers within the nation and we count on that to proceed in 2025/26.
6
The quantity 6 position – Martin Zubimendi
The primary of three new signings on this new-look aspect constructed by Berta. Reviews emerged in January that Martin Zubimendi was set to maneuver to the Emirates over the summer time and nothing has emerged to counsel he will not since then.
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Hailed as one of many “finest central midfielders on this planet” by Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, he could possibly be the right substitute for Thomas Partey and Jorginho. He can break up the play, dictate a match and has a wonderful passing vary.
7
The left 8 position – Declan Rice
Moderately unusually, Arsenal’s club-record purchase has had his critics this time period however he is among the first names on the workforce sheet proper now and a few would declare he deserves to be Arsenal captain over Martin Odegaard.
This time period, we have seen much less of Rice as a holding participant with Arteta trusting him to be extra forward-thinking.
In consequence, he is performed a hand with 4 targets and eight assists, the newest of which got here towards United on Sunday.
8
The quantity 10 position – Ethan Nwaneri
Maybe probably the most controversial resolution Arteta may make subsequent season is to depart Odegaard out of his finest workforce. That is not because of a brand new signing, it is as a result of generational expertise that 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri possesses.
Arsenal’s youngest debutants | ||
|---|---|---|
Participant | Age at debut | 12 months & opponent confronted |
#1 Ethan Nwaneri | 15 years, 5 months, 28 days | 2022: Brentford |
#2 Jack Porter | 16 years, 2 months, 10 days | 2024: Bolton Wanderers |
#3 Cesc Fabregas | 16 years, 5 months, 24 days | 2003: Rotherham |
#4 Jack Wilshere | 16 years, 8 months, 12 days | 2008: Blackburn |
#5 Jermaine Pennant | 16 years, 10 months, 15 days | 1999: Middlesbrough |
#6 Paul Vaessen | 16 years, 11 months, 11 days | 1978: Lokomotive Leipzig |
#7 Ryan Smith | 16 years, 11 months, 18 days | 2003: Rotherham |
#8 Gedion Zelalem | 16 years, 11 months, 29 days | 2014: Coventry |
#9 Armand Traore | 17 years, 16 days | 2006: West Brom |
Knowledge by way of Transfermarkt. | ||
{The teenager} has dazzled defences throughout England and Europe this time period, netting eight targets in 28 matches and will star in a extra central position behind the striker.
The Hale Ender has predominantly featured off the proper since changing into a daily starter however that spot will probably be taken by the membership’s star man.
9
Proper wing – Bukayo Saka
How huge a disgrace was it to lose Saka on the tail finish of the 12 months? The quantity 7 was on target for the most effective marketing campaign of his profession to this point, bagging 9 targets and posting 13 assists throughout 24 matches, earlier than a hamstring harm has now saved him out for a number of months.
The primary identify on the workforce sheet and a future legend, there is no such thing as a likelihood of Saka being moved from this XI by anybody, not even Nwaneri.
10
Left wing – Nico Williams
At lengthy, lengthy final, will Berta be the person to deliver Nico Williams to N5? Supporters will definitely hope so.
Arsenal have lengthy been admirers with studies noting that Arteta ‘would love’ the Spanish winger on the membership they usually may definitely do together with his companies at left wing.
Earlier than accidents to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, the left wing was the most important drawback place with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli failing to actually hit prime type, scoring solely 13 occasions between them by way of all competitions in 2024/25 to this point.
Williams, who is stuffed with tempo and trickery, could be the right participant to take this Arsenal assault to the subsequent stage. Nonetheless, there’s one lacking piece of the puzzle to return…
11
Centre ahead – Benjamin Sesko
Sorry Arsenal followers, however Alexander Isak will not be arriving. Berta does not possess that a lot magic.
Newcastle have slapped a £150m asking value on their star man and that is a charge that not very many on this planet will have the ability to afford, sadly.
In consequence, it is probably Benjamin Sesko will probably be their go-to man. The Slovenian was linked with a transfer to London final summer time however finally determined to pen a brand new contract at RB Leipzig.
That stated, he has a launch clause of £58m and is prone to be on the transfer this summer time. Described because the “new Erling Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig, the younger ahead is a powerhouse with a cannon of a strike on him. Most significantly, he scores targets.
Sesko has discovered the web on 17 events in 35 appearances this time period and could possibly be the signing that helps elevate Arsenal’s aspect to title winners.
Associated
11 Arsenal sporting director candidates to interchange Edu
There have been loads of names linked.
