Done Deal: Arsenal Strongest Lineup For Next Season After Signing Rice With 3 Other Transfer Targets

The Gunners are expected to be active yet again this summer with Mikel Arteta and Edu making changes to the Arsenal first team squad

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It’s no secret that the next transfer window is going to be massive for Arsenal. Having strengthened considerably with the summer purchases of Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Martin Odegaard at a total cost of £150million the Gunners are on course to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in half a decade. Regardless of whether they make top four or not though, there is still so much more left to do.

The lineup will feature Declan Rice and 3 other transfer targets

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta moves closer to dream Arsenal squad as surprise star forces transfer rethink

Takehiro Tomiyasu is capable of playing centre back, and is a regular there for Japan, but he has found his best form in a Gunners shirt at right back. With this in mind it’s possible that William Saliba could finally enter into the Arsenal squad for next season. football.london understands the Frenchman is set to hold talks with Gunners officials this summer, but if they do qualify for the Champions League then it surely makes sense to keep him around.

The 21-year-old is also capable of playing right back which could be a boost given Tomiyasu’s recent poor injury record and that Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are expected to leave. The main obstacle would be Saliba’s own desires for regular game time having played more minutes than any other player at Marseille this season.

However, the young defender admitted that, while his preference is to be a regular in the team, he is willing to fight for a place at the Emirates next season. “I’m sure I can’t just be on the bench at Arsenal and be happy,” he told L’Equipe. “I want to play as a starter. Afterwards, if I come into the rotation as a substitute, it’s not like staying with the Under-23s and never being in the squad.”

Alongside Rob Holding he could provide considerable competition the established centre back pairing of Ben White and Gabriel. With Kieran Tierney established on the left hand side, it could add a real strength in depth to the Gunners back line that makes it look even more impressive than it does now.