The 2025 summer window has reshaped Arsenal\u2019s squad and left manager Arteta with a clearer selection for his preferred starting XI. A small tweak to formation could unlock this group further, but on paper the personnel now suggest an exciting attacking identity and more depth across the pitch.<\/p>\n
David Raya has established himself as the number one since taking over the job from Aaron Ramsdale. Two Premier League Golden Gloves in a row will do that. The Spaniard has already signalled an intention for a three-peat with two clean sheets out of three games. If not for a Dominik Szoboszlai world-class free kick, he\u2019d have three out of three. Kepa Arrizabalaga represents reliable cup cover rather than a direct threat to Raya\u2019s place.<\/p>\n
At right back, Jurrien Timber offers a different skillset to Ben White, often showing midfielder-like dribbling and attacking intent. Timber\u2019s defensive moments can still improve, but his form and goals early in the season underline his claim on the role.<\/p>\n
William Saliba returns as the defensive cornerstone, a key part of the league\u2019s best centre back pairing alongside Gabriel. The two operate with strong mutual understanding. Gabriel\u2019s development since arriving from Lille has been vital, and keeping him fit remains crucial even with new additions.<\/p>\n
Calafiori\u2019s first season at the club was a rollercoaster, alternating between influential attacking displays and fitness setbacks. When fit, he often inverts into midfield and contributes in build up, though defensive awareness can be inconsistent. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Piero Hincapi\u00e9 remain options if form or fitness dip.<\/p>\n
Declan Rice and Mart\u00edn Zubimendi look set to form a double pivot. Rice\u2019s versatility and leadership make him a constant starter. Zubimendi has shown promise in preseason but needs time to settle to reach his full potential.<\/p>\n
Further forward, Martin \u00d8degaard must regain the influence he produced in 2022\u201323 if the team is to maximise the new attacking pieces. Eberechi Eze provides a creative spark, likely used on the left to complement \u00d8degaard and link with the striker. Bukayo Saka remains indispensable, though his fitness is a clear concern after hamstring problems; Noni Madueke offers cover.<\/p>\n
Viktor Gy\u00f6keres is the main striker after the summer signing. Two goals in three games suggest a solid start, while Kai Havertz could challenge for minutes once fully recovered from knee surgery. The selection balance between Gy\u00f6keres and Havertz may depend on opposition and fitness as the season unfolds.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Assessing Arsenal’s strongest XI after the 2025 summer window, position by position and risks. today<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2615,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[192,172],"tags":[841,253,414],"class_list":["post-2616","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arsenal","category-epl","tag-david-raya","tag-declan-rice","tag-eberechi-eze"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2616","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2616"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2616\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}