The Premier League season is around the corner and the time for talking is almost up, with Mikel Arteta set to face some tough decisions in the months ahead.
Arsenal went within touching distance of winning the Premier League title last season, losing out to Manchester City on the final day.
However, it proved that Arteta’s plan was closer to paying off, with some finishing touches required to get the team over the line.
The summer transfer window has seen some changes within the Arsenal squad as Emile Smith Rowe joined Fulham on a permanent deal.
Incomings have been secured too, with Riccardo Calafiori joining Arsenal from Bologna to bolster the defensive options available.
Add those changes to the squad on top of some potential injury returns and there is a debate to be held over which players make the Arsenal boss’ strongest options.
So with that said, here’s a look at what the strongest team could be at the Emirates Stadium come Saturday.
Arsenal’s strongest XI before Wolves match
There is plenty for Arteta to ponder over, not least when it comes to the strongest team he has at his disposal.
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper position picks itself at this stage, with David Raya the clear number-one choice for the Arsenal manager.
The Spaniard completed his permanent move from Brentford earlier this summer, having sealed his position between the sticks while on loan last season.
Raya helped the Gunners keep 16 clean sheets in 32 Premier League appearances and will likely add to that number this campaign.
Goalkeeper: David Raya.
Defence
The backline may well be the toughest place for Arteta to pick from this season, due to how many quality options he has available.
With Jurrien Timber’s injury troubles, it would be likely that Ben White is still the go-to option at right-back after an impressive season last time out.
The centre-back pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba was formidable at the back, though the start of the previous campaign showed that the manager is willing to change his lineup if required.
While new signing Calafiori is an impressive option to add to the squad, he is still settling into the team and may need time to gel.
Partner that with some impressive performances from Oleksandr Zinchenko over pre-season and the reliability of Jakub Kiwior last season and there is a battle for that left-back position.
If the team is at its strongest, then Calafiori is likely to start in this position and drive forward.
Defence: White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori.
Midfield
Over the summer window, there was an expectation that the midfield would receive a boost at London Colney.
That hasn’t been the case so far, although Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino.
Instead, it seems as though Arteta may be looking at a similar midfield three that ended the season.
Declan Rice is likely to partner Jorginho in the deeper role, offering a balance of ball-carrying, defensive awareness and passing ability from the base they create.
In the more attacking role, club captain Martin Odegaard is almost guaranteed to start, following another campaign of impressive performances.
Midfield: Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard.
Forwards
Then there are the forwards, the players who can so often win the games that are needed to get a title triumph over the line.
Arsenal are yet to bolster these positions over the summer, but they still have several top options available.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka so often started on either flank, with the pair still developing at the top level.
While players such as Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson are looking to stake a claim to a position, their counterparts appear clear favourites to play most games.
Centre-forward was something of a troublesome area to solve, with Gabriel Jesus showing clear quality on the ball but lacking that clinical edge.
Eddie Nketiah can offer a box presence but doesn’t always impact a game in every phase possible.
So step forward Kai Havertz, who was initially signed to feature in the midfield, but his move to striker has paid off.
The German international is key in duels, often winning important battles high up the pitch, while also having the presence needed in the final third.
For that reason, he seems most likely to feature there again this season.
Forwards: Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
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