Five new signings, £238m spent – Edu can hand Mikel Arteta dream 25-man Arsenal squad

The summer transfer window is open and Premier League clubs can finally get to business signing players contracted to other clubs. Many clubs will be very aware of their Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules, but big money is expected to be spent.

Having finished as runners-up to Manchester City in the last two Premier League campaigns, Mikel Arteta will be looking to strengthen his Arsenal squad in the market to try and go one better in the 2024/25 season.

A striker was high on the list of priorities, with Benjamin Sesko heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. However, after the Slovenian signed a new contract with RB Leipzig, football.london understands the Gunners have changed tack somewhat.

Arteta wants reinforcements in midfield and defence and a departure for Aaron Ramsdale could see them move for a new goalkeeper too. Meanwhile, Arteta is looking for a player who can play across the frontline, rather than an out-and-out striker.

So what could Arteta’s dream 25-man squad look like and how much will it cost? football.london takes a look.

Goalkeeper

If Ramsdale does leave the club this summer, Arsenal will want another signing. However, first and foremost they have to tie up a permanent deal for David Raya, who was on loan last summer.

That will cost the Gunners £27million straight up, as per their agreement with Brentford last season. Then if Ramsdale does leave, the name being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium is Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow, who could be available for around £10million.

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Defence

Ajax’s Jorrel Hato may well have been the perfect choice, but having signed a new deal in the Netherlands, he could now cost a fortune with £86million being mooted.

Nottingham Forest’s Murillo is another name who has been touted as a signing, with Tottenham also interested, and he could cost much less, albeit around £50million.

Otherwise, the Arsenal defence performed well last season and not much needs to be changed – especially with Jurrien Timber being set to play a much larger role after missing almost the entire year through injury.

Midfield

A number of midfielders could leave the club this summer, meaning Arteta will be on the lookout for new signings. Emile Smith Rowe is desperate for more game time, while questions remain over Thomas Partey’s future.

Fabio Vieira has struggled to assert himself too, leaving a bit of a void in the midfield department.

Bruno Guimaraes would probably be the first choice, but he will cost £100million – a figure the Gunners are not averse to spending on midfielders of course.

Martin Zubimendi might be the best option. He will be available for £53million.

Forward

The Gunners may not be looking for an out-and-out striker now, but that would surely be the dream option. And the best option of that ilk is Alexander Isak.

The Swede has performed brilliantly in the Premier League with Newcastle and would be the perfect fit. This is where Arsenal should spend their money, with Isak costing around £100million.

In terms of players who can play across the line, Viktor Tsygankov has been linked and with a £25.5million release clause is something of a bargain.

How much will those transfers cost?

That’s five new signings for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal that will cost them £238.5million. It seems unlikely the Gunners will spend that much, but it would be a dream summer scenario for them and give them a great shot at challenging once more for the Premier League title.

Dream 25-man squad

Raya, Bijlow, Hein; White, Tomiyasu, Zinchenko, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Murillo; Jorginho, Partey, Odegaard, Rice, Smith Rowe, Zubimendi; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Havertz, Tsygankov, Isak.