How Arsenal could line up with Icardi replacing Aubameyang and Upamecano alongside William Saliba in defence
ARSENAL could be set for some big changes this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to transform the London strugglers into Premier League title hopefuls.
The Gunners have not finished top of the pile since the Invincibles of 2004.
But with Arteta ready to bring in a number of fresh faces, next season could finally be Arsenal’s year again.
In goal, Arteta is likely to stick with German stopper Bernd Leno, who has established himself as one of the league’s top goalies.
Stalwart Hector Bellerin is another player guaranteed to be lining up next season, with the right-back showing he is more than capable of mixing it with the best when fully fit.
But there could be plenty of changes in the rest of defence, with William Saliba likely to be thrust into the team once his loan at St Etienne comes to an end.
The highly-rated youngster could be partnered by fellow Frenchman Dayot Upamecano.
RB Leipzig are ready to let him leave for just £34million, and there’s no longer any competition from Bayern Munich after they pulled out of the race.
There’s joy in the hunt for a new left-back too, with Layvin Kurzawa a target once his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires in July.
The former Monaco man has been linked to Barcelona in recent weeks but they are now looking to strengthen other areas of their squad, giving Arsenal a free run at the free agent.
In midfield, Matteo Guendouzi could finally get his chance to cement his place in the starting XI after becoming one of the league’s most exciting youngsters.
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Alongside him will be Thomas Partey, who has made no secret of his desire to swap Atletico Madrid for Arsenal once the summer transfer window opens.
Playing ahead of them in the No10 role could be Brazilian winger Willian, who will become a free agent when his Chelsea contract expires soon.
He would be an ideal replacement for Mesut Ozil, who lacks legs in the final third and is being tipped for a move to Turkey.
Record signing Nicolas Pepe is likely to nail down the right wing, and playing on the opposite flank could be Fiorentina star Federico Chiesa.
The Italy international does not want to sign a new contract and appears to have his heart set on a move to England.
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Finally, Arsenal’s attack could be spearheaded by Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi.
The Argentine is currently on loan at Paris Saint-Germain but they are not going to make his move permanent this summer.
And it’s reckoned Inter are willing to swap Icardi for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is out of contract in 2021 and looks unlikely to sign a new deal at Arsenal.