Gyokeres and Madueke in, Martinelli ditched – Arsenal predicted XI for Man United opener
Mikel Arteta is set to have a new look Arsenal lineup for the first game of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The Gunners have already been busy in the summer transfer market, welcoming the likes of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Chelsea and Real Sociedad, respectively.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are keen on Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, who notched five goals and four assists in the Premier League for the Bees last season.
Arteta will hope that his summer transfer activity will lead the North Londoners to the Premier League title, after steering the Emirates Stadium side to three successive second-place finishes.
Arsenal predicted XI for Premier League opener v Man United
The Gunners will be relishing the opportunity of taking on familiar foe Manchester United in their opening Premier League game on 17 August.
Furthermore, Arteta’s men will fancy their chances of earning all three points at Old Trafford after the Red Devils finished just 15th in the top flight last season.
Meanwhile, as the North London side look to strengthen their attack, Arsenal are closing in on Viktor Gyokeres.
After proving his prolific tendencies with his current club Sporting, the Sweden international is set to lead the line for Arteta next term.
Meanwhile, Noni Madueke has been eyed by Arsenal, as the Gunners also look to add a new winger to their squad.
While Madueke predominantly plays on the right for Chelsea, Arteta will not remove star man Bukayo Saka from his starting 11.
Therefore, the former Eindhoven man will operate on the left wing, seeing Gabriel Martinelli omitted from the Arsenal lineup.
Elsewhere, Zubimendi is set to shine in midfield for the Gunners, who will enjoy the services of a familiar looking backline.
Gyokeres set for decisive role in Premier League title race
Football Insider verdict
Summer addition Zubimendi and possible signing Madueke will undoubtedly help Arsenal’s chances of beating likely title challengers Liverpool and Manchester City to Premier League glory next season.
| Viktor Gyokeres stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 52 |
| Goals | 54 |
| Assists | 12 |
But the Gunners’ most important acquisition this summer is set to become Gyokeres, who will revolutionise the North London club’s frontline.
The reason why Arsenal have fallen short to both Man City and Liverpool in recent seasons is that they have not boasted a prolific forward such as Erling Haaland or Mohamed Salah.
But by scoring 54 goals in 52 appearances for Portuguese club Sporting last season, Gyokeres has proven that he could become the difference-maker for Arteta’s men.
Furthermore, the 27-year-old is already familiar with English football, having excelled for his former club, Coventry City, in the Championship.
Gyokeres scored six goals in eight Champions League appearances last term, proving that he can operate at a high level and should adjust to the Premier League.