New Haaland signs & Partey gets the axe

In November 2024 the shock news emerged that Edu was to leave Arsenal behind after a number of successful years as the club’s sporting director.

The Brazilian’s track record was not flawless but he was still the man who helped the Gunners bring £105m man Declan Rice to the Emirates Stadium.

Since his exit, the club’s transfer policy has been questioned with interim director Jason Ayto failing to use the winter window to strengthen.

Arsenal needed a new forward but sadly that wasn’t forthcoming. They will now have to look at the summer market instead.

Their recruitment in the coming months will now be driven by Andrea Berta. Once 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 under his wing.

So, what could Arteta’s starting lineup look like once Berta has finished his summer recruitment? Well, we’re predicting it to look pretty exciting…

1

Goalkeeper – David Raya

The number one spot is no surprise. Since replacing Aaron Ramsdale as the club’s stopper, he has gone from strength to strength.

Despite some questionable positioning for Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick up at Old Trafford on Sunday, he was in imperious form, keeping the Portuguese and Noussair Mazraoui at bay with some late goalkeeping heroics.

2

Right back – Ben White

Heading into the 2025/26 season, the right-back spot is rather unclear. With Ben White out through injury, Jurrien Timber has done a fantastic job, scoring twice and assisting three goals.

That said, White is a firm fan favourite and his link-up play with Bukayo Saka is game-changing. It’s likely he’ll get his place back once fit.

3

Centre-back – William Saliba

Who else? Arsenal will have a number of options in the centre of defence next term with Riccardo Calafiori vying for a role and Timber likely to be freed up again to play in a few defensive positions.

Saliba, however, is one of the best around. He’s only missed two Premier League games all term and that was due to injury and suspension.

4

Centre-back – Gabriel Magalhaes

Arsenal’s trusty defensive duo will no doubt be key as the Gunners go in search of ending their league title drought.

It’s now over 20 years since they last won England’s top prize but in Gabriel and Saliba, they arguably have the finest defensive partnership around.

5

Left-back – Myles Lewis-Skelly

There are a few contenders for this position but we expect the 18-year-old to make it his own next term after a rollercoaster time of it in the first-team to date.

From that memorable goal against Manchester City, his discipline has also been called into question, receiving two red cards in 2025 so far.

That said, he’s one of the finest young players in the country and we expect that to continue in 2025/26.

6

The number 6 role – Martin Zubimendi

The first of three new signings in this new-look side built by Berta. Reports emerged in January that Martin Zubimendi was set to move to the Emirates over the summer and nothing has emerged to suggest he won’t since then.

Hailed as one of the “best central midfielders in the world” by Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, he could be the perfect replacement for Thomas Partey and Jorginho. He can break up the play, dictate a match and has a fine passing range.

7

The left 8 role – Declan Rice

Rather strangely, Arsenal’s club-record buy has had his critics this term but he is one of the first names on the team sheet right now and some would claim he deserves to be Arsenal captain over Martin Odegaard.

This term, we’ve seen less of Rice as a holding player with Arteta trusting him to be more forward-thinking.

As a result, he’s played a hand with four goals and eight assists, the latest of which came against United on Sunday.

8

The number 10 role – Ethan Nwaneri

Perhaps the most controversial decision Arteta could make next season is to leave Odegaard out of his best team. That’s not due to a new signing, it’s due to the generational talent that 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri possesses.

The teenager has dazzled defences across England and Europe this term, netting eight goals in 28 matches and could star in a more central role behind the striker.

The Hale Ender has predominantly featured off the right since becoming a regular starter but that spot will be taken by the club’s star man.

9

Right wing – Bukayo Saka

How big a shame was it to lose Saka at the tail end of the year? The number 7 was on course for the best campaign of his career to date, bagging nine goals and posting 13 assists across 24 matches, before a hamstring injury has now kept him out for several months.

The first name on the team sheet and a future legend, there is no chance of Saka being moved from this XI by anyone, not even Nwaneri.

10

Left wing – Nico Williams

At long, long last, will Berta be the man to bring Nico Williams to N5? Supporters will certainly hope so.

Arsenal have long been admirers with reports noting that Arteta ‘would love’ the Spanish winger at the club and they could certainly do with his services at left wing.

Before injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, the left wing was the biggest problem position with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli failing to really hit top form, scoring only 13 times between them through all competitions in 2024/25 to date.

Williams, who is full of pace and trickery, would be the perfect player to take this Arsenal attack to the next level. Still, there’s one missing piece of the puzzle to come…

11

Centre forward – Benjamin Sesko

Sorry Arsenal fans, but Alexander Isak won’t be arriving. Berta doesn’t possess that much magic.

Newcastle have slapped a £150m asking price on their star man and that’s a fee that not very many in the world will be able to afford, unfortunately.

As a result, it’s likely Benjamin Sesko will be their go-to man. The Slovenian was linked with a move to London last summer but ultimately decided to pen a new contract at RB Leipzig.

That said, he has a release clause of £58m and is likely to be on the move this summer. Described as the “new Erling Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig, the young forward is a powerhouse with a cannon of a strike on him. Most importantly, he scores goals.

Sesko has found the net on 17 occasions in 35 appearances this term and could be the signing that helps elevate Arsenal’s side to title winners.