Arsenal 2024 /2025 predicted lineup -

Arsenal start the 2024/25 season with a single objective: securing the Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta’s project has led the Gunners to consecutive second-place finishes and their best top-flight performance in 20 years.

They have now reached the stage where they need ‘just a couple more’ to secure victory. Arsenal’s starting lineup is so strong that enhancing it is challenging.

GK: David Raya

Arsenal decisively upgraded their goalkeeper position last season by bringing in Raya to replace fan favorite Aaron Ramsdale. The decision was debated for months, and while Raya wasn’t flawless, he proved to be an improvement over the Englishman. The Spaniard finished the Premier League season with the Golden Glove, and his loan move was made permanent this summer.

RB: Ben White

With Gareth Southgate’s departure, White might not have the luxury of free international breaks anymore. The converted center-back would likely have been part of Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad if not for the incident at the 2022 World Cup. White was one of the top-performing right-backs in the league last season, particularly towards the end. Although Arteta has a strong alternative, White will stay as the first choice.

CB: William Saliba

Saliba showcased his talent on the international stage over the summer after being repeatedly overlooked by Didier Deschamps. The Arsenal star was one of the standout defenders at Euro 2024 and will return to north London knowing he has a crucial role in the club’s title challenge.

CB: Gabriel

Arteta once seemed to consider the Brazilian expendable, with Arsenal entertaining the idea of selling Gabriel to the Saudi Pro League last summer. This disrupted his start to the 2023/24 season, but the robust defender was nearly flawless after being reintegrated. Gabriel delivered the best season of his senior career last year

LB: Riccardo Calafiori

We must mention Jurrien Timber, whose versatility might lead to fewer starts. He’s excellent across the backline and showed at the beginning of his Arsenal career that he could excel in the left-back role. However, Calafiori is one of the specialists Arteta acquired this summer. The Italian is also versatile and skilled at receiving possession in various zones. Arteta must appreciate his ease of play, impressive athleticism, and proactive nature.

CM: Declan Rice

Rice alternated between the #6 and #8 positions last season, but we should see more consistency this summer. It appears unlikely that Arsenal will sign a holding midfielder before the window closes, so Rice will probably take on more responsibility in a deeper role. The England international had a somewhat mixed Euros, but he was outstanding during his debut season with the Gunners.

CM: Mikel Merino

While this move might not excite everyone, it makes sense. If Arteta reinstates the 2022/23 system, Merino could fill a role similar to Granit Xhaka’s. Although their profiles differ, the Spaniard has the potential to perform the ‘Xhaka role’ at a high level. Arsenal are interested in the Real Sociedad midfielder, and a transfer should be relatively straightforward if they decide to pursue it.

CM: Martin Odegaard

It’s hard to envision this Arsenal team without their captain. When Odegaard is not at his best, which is rare, the Gunners don’t operate at their optimal level.

RW: Bukayo Saka

Despite being battered and bruised from his 2023/24 efforts, Saka still managed to carry his country at times during the Euros, helping them reach consecutive finals. Saka needs an extended rest before the new season begins, as there’s no guarantee Arsenal will secure adequate cover to give him a break. Reiss Nelson is also on his way out.

ST: Kai Havertz

It seemed certain that Arsenal would sign a new striker at the start of the summer window, with their interest in Benjamin Sesko being well-known. However, after missing out on the Slovenian star, links to other forwards have been scarce, and it appears they’re content to enter 2024/25 with Havertz as their main striker.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli needs a bounce-back season. The Brazilian was out of sorts last season, but there were mitigating factors. He dealt with a foot injury towards the end of the season and struggled systematically after Xhaka’s departure. He was more isolated on the left wing without clear-cut connections and combinations.