Arsenal’s 2021/22 Starting XI
If Arsenal land their main transfer targets this summer, Mikel Arteta will have a number of options to choose from when it comes to his starting XI. Here is a possible line-up for the 2021/22 season.
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
Defenders: Hector Bellerin, Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber
Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka
Forwards: Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, and Leandro Trossard
Kai Havertz: Adding Flexibility to Arsenal’s Midfield
Kai Havertz is one of the most exciting players to join Arsenal this summer. The 24-year-old Germany international scored 32 goals in 139 games for Chelsea after his £71m switch from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020. He will give Arsenal increased options all along midfield and the front line with his high level of flexibility. Havertz played as an attacking midfielder, winger and striker or false nine for Chelsea. For Leverkusen and Germany, he has played in central midfield too.
Declan Rice: A Defensive Midfielder Who Could Make the Difference
It now appears likely Arsenal are going to beat Manchester City to the signing of England midfielder Rice. The Gunners have offered a deal worth a club-record £105m, with City not willing to match that. West Ham have not accepted the offer yet. Rice’s development over the last few years has been notable. In 2018, the Londoner was playing for the Republic of Ireland and often deployed at centre-back – but since then he has become an automatic pick for England in the heart of midfield and West Ham captain. Last season, Rice won possession more times (334) and made more interceptions (63) than any other Premier League player. Only three players – Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk and Manchester City duo Rodri and Jack Grealish – carried the ball further than Rice’s 7.1km. Arsenal’s Saka was fifth on 6.8km.
Jurrien Timber: Bolstering Arsenal’s Defensive Options
The other player known to be on Arsenal’s wish-list this summer is ball-playing Ajax and Netherlands defender Timber. It is thought Ajax want more than the £30m that Arsenal have bid, while other Premier League clubs have been linked with him too. The 22-year-old, who came through the Ajax youth system, is primarily a centre-back – that is where he played all his games last season. But he has played at right-back in the past for club and country. That puts him in a similar position to Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Other Potential Targets
Arteta still wants Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, having failed with a £70m bid for the Ecuadorian in January. BBC Sport understands even if they sign Rice, they might still go for Caicedo even though they play in similar positions. They could also have the fourth joint top scorer in France’s Ligue 1 last season in their team. Folarin Balogun netted 21 times during a loan spell for Reims last season and is due to return to the Gunners this summer – although there is a suggestion they could sell him.
Conclusion
Arsenal have made their moves in the transfer market this summer with the signings of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, as well as a bid for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber. Havertz will add flexibility to Arsenal’s midfield, while Rice could be the difference in their defensive midfield position. Timber could bolster their defensive options, while other potential targets include Moises Caicedo and Folarin Balogun. If these moves go through, Arsenal could have a very strong starting XI for the 2021/22 season.