Rodrygo and Gibbs-White in, Gabriel Martinelli gone: Arsenal 25/26 predicted XI
Arsenal could be set for a busy summer transfer window, as they look to strengthen key areas of their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Last season, Mikel Arteta’s side finished second in the Premier League for the third year in a row, 10 points adrift of runaway title winners Liverpool.
It was a similar story in the cup competitions as well, with the Gunners being beaten by PSG in the Champions League semi-final, as well as exiting the League Cup at the same stage, losing to Newcastle.
The North London side haven’t picked up any major silverware since 2020, when they beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final, and Arteta will be desperate to end the trophyless run next season.
Zubimendi, Sesko and Rodrygo to join
Arsenal had the best defence in the Premier League last season, conceding just 34 goals all year, and there is little need for Arteta to alter the five at the back.
In front of David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel have built a great partnership together, with Jurrien Timber impressing at right-back, on his return from a nasty ACL injury.
Miles Lewis-Skelly has attracted the attention of Real Madrid, after an exceptional breakthrough year, but it is likely the 18-year-old will remain at the Emirates this summer.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 23 | 1 | 0 |
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are another two who are guaranteed starters barring any injuries, with Martin Odegaard hoping to prove Arsenal fans wrong and get back to his best next season.
However, the Gunners have been linked with Morgan Gibbs-White, and the Nottingham Forest midfielder could replace the underperforming Norwegian.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Arsenal want to bring in Martin Zumbimendi from Real Sociedad, as they look to fill their defensive midfielder shaped hole.
Up front, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has been a long-term target for the Gunners, and the 22-year-old could finally make the switch to North London ahead of next season.
On the left-hand side, Arsenal could be open to letting Gabriel Martinelli leave, after the Brazilian flattered to deceive in the 2024/25 campaign.
While the Sesko and Zubimendi deals look close to completion, there are still only preliminary rumours about who the North London side might bring in on the left-wing.
Nico Williams has been mentioned, as has former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, but if the Gunners want to make a statement they should go out and sign Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
Rodrygo proves Arsenal mean business
It could cost Arsenal over £85million to prise Rodrygo away from Real Madrid, but if they managed to pull the move off, it would set them up for a real run at the Premier League title.
The Gunners have to take risks if they want to challenge the likes of Liverpool next season, with Arne Slot’s side set to spend well over £100m on Florian Wirtz.
Rodrygo is an exceptional talent, and away from the bright lights of Madrid would likely flourish, and develop into one of the world’s best wingers.
It is a very un-Arsenal like deal, but could be exactly what they need to end their barren run without major silverware.