Arsenal dream starting XI following £162m transfers with the signings of Kimmich, Calafiori, Nico Williams and Gyokeres…

Arsenal’s dream starting lineup reshaped by £162m signings of Kimmich, Calafiori, Nico Williams and Gyokeres

Mikel Arteta envisions a formidable Arsenal lineup with the addition of three key players, transforming the team for the upcoming season.

The Gunners have already secured the services of David Raya from Brentford, and more signings are anticipated as Arsenal looks to bolster their squad for the challenges ahead.

There is a lot of interest in Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who impressed in Serie A last season and helped his team qualify for the Champions League.

Calafiori’s performances for Italy at Euro 2024 have caught the attention of Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta considering him as a valuable addition to the squad.

Despite interest from Chelsea, Arsenal seems to be in the best position to secure his signature due to their Champions League football offer and potential Premier League title challenge.

Bologna has set a €50million (£42.5million) asking price for Calafiori, which seems reasonable for a 22-year-old player. If he joins Arsenal, he could potentially play at left-back or provide cover for Gabriel at centre-back.

Arteta is also looking to recruit a central midfielder in the upcoming summer.

While Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard were regulars in the team last season, the third midfield position was rotated among several players.

Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira, and Emile Smith Rowe all had opportunities in the Gunners midfield, but there is a recognition that an improvement can be made.

One potential addition to Arteta’s squad is Joshua Kimmich.

The Bayern Munich player has been rumored to be considering a move away from the Bundesliga giants this summer, as his contract at Allianz Arena is set to expire next year.

With the ability to play as a defensive midfielder or right-back, Kimmich would bring versatility, quality, and experience to Arsenal.

He could fill the No.6 role in the Gunners midfield, allowing Declan Rice to move forward and play as the left-sided No.8 – a position that Arteta is eager for him to occupy more frequently.

Kimmich, who is currently part of Germany’s Euro 2024 squad, could be available for around €40million (£33.9million) if Bayern decide to sell the 29-year-old.

Kimmich recently revealed he is uncertain about his future. “There has been no contact,” he told the media after Germany’s 2-0 victory over Denmark. “We haven’t yet discussed anything.

Max and Christoph [Bayern officials] wrote to me and congratulated me on the victory [against Denmark at Euro 2024].” When previously asked about his career prospects at Bayern, Kimmich said: “Oh, great question.

Well, the situation is absolutely clear: I have a contract with FC Bayern until 2025, so it’s not mainly up to me to be active right now.

My focus is solely on the European Championship, and after that there will be a conversation.” Arsenal are also in the market for a forward this window.

Benjamin Sesko was of interest before the start of Euro 2024 but he has since signed a contract extension at RB Leipzig, while the likes of Nico Williams, Johan Bakayoko and Alexander Isak have also been linked.

Viktor Gyokeres is another forward who is being considered for a move to north London.

The 26-year-old had an impressive season with Sporting CP, scoring 43 goals and providing 15 assists in 50 matches.

He joined the Portuguese team last summer after a successful campaign with Coventry in the Championship, so he has experience in English football.

However, Arsenal would need to pay his €100million (£85.7million) release clause to secure his signature.

If Gyokeres does join Arsenal, he is expected to lead the team’s attack in the 2024/25 season, with Bukayo Saka and either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard playing alongside him.

The potential Arsenal lineup after the summer transfer window could include Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Kimmich, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.