PERFECT LINE UP : Gyokeres and Williams sign and four players leave – Dream Arsenal squad after pre-season

Latest Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta faces a long list of things to do before the Premier League season kicks off next month

Changes will be made to Arsenal’s 25-man Premier League squad before the window closes

Arsenal’s pre-season preparations will be stepped-up this week when Mikel Arteta’s men head to the United States for the third summer in a row.

The Gunners will play three friendlies during their stay in the US, all coming against Premier League opponents in the shape of AFC Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Arteta has been working with his players for a couple of weeks now ahead of a third attempt of kicking Manchester City off top spot in English football. To do that, additions must be made and the Gunners are working tirelessly to improve Arteta’s squad.

David Raya’s loan move has been made permanent and goalkeeper prodigy Tommy Setford completed his move from Ajax over the weekend. The focus is now on strengthening the defence, midfield and attack.

Despite criticism and backlash over Arsenal’s lack of business before their trip to the USA, there is still plenty of time to get any deals done. The transfer window closes on August 30 meaning the Gunners squad could look different by the time they take on Brighton & Hove Albion on August 31.

As well as new signings, sporting director Edu Gaspar faces the tough task of selling players. Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares left at the end of June while Nuno Tavares (Lazio) and Albert Sambi Lokonga (Sevilla) have sealed loan moves away.

To complete their 25-man Premier League squad for the new season, some business will have to be done. Arteta has a well-stocked group of players at his disposal but the level of quality throughout has been a concern in the two past seasons.

Starting in the goalkeeper department, Arsenal have an unwanted headache. Raya will continue as first-choice after completing his permanent move from Brentford meaning Aaron Ramsdale’s future is surely elsewhere. The England goalkeeper wants first-team football so a transfer away seems likely.

Wolves’ Dan Bentley has been the subject of another bid, according to reports, while the signing of Setford bolsters the youth options, should Arteta turn to the academy.

Riccardo Calafiori’s imminent arrival from Bologna could spell the end of Jakub Kiwior’s time in England. The Poland international has been heavily linked with a return to Italy, with the impending signing of Calafiori expected to be a key factor in his future. A loan move to AC Milan, Inter or Napoli with the option for a permanent switch could be enough to tempt Arsenal to cash-in.

Jurrien Timber’s first season at the club was tarnished by injury on his debut so his return will feel like a new signing. Ben White was Arteta’s first-choice at right-back last term but Timber’s availability means the Gunners now have much-needed healthy competition.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, for many, are the Premier League’s best defensive partnership. Calafiori’s arrival adds competition with Timber also capable of filling in. The Italian can also play at left-back, meaning we could see Kieran Tierney leave the club permanently after a loan spell with Real Sociedad.

Real Sociedad and Spain star Mikel Merino could be one of the players Arsenal look to sign (Image: Rico Brouwer)

The defensive midfielder slot is the position that requires attention the most. Thomas Partey’s problems with injuries meant Arteta relied on Jorginho in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard last term. Mikel Merino has appeared as the most likely candidate to succeed the Ghana international this summer.

After impressing with Spain at Euro 2024, the Real Sociedad star offers protection and quality, defensively and offensively, that could improve Arsenal’s midfield. Partey’s likely exit means he’s expected to play an important role with a space available.

Elsewhere in midfield, Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe will be hoping to step-up their game and provide high-quality performances when called-upon. Smith Rowe has been the subject of two bids from Crystal Palace and Fulham, but Arteta’s decision to give him the captain’s armband in the win over Leyton Orient points towards the academy graduate remaining.

Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are two of Arsenal’s most exciting wonderkids and will be hoping this is their year to seriously stamp their mark at senior level.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are nailed-on starters on the wing with Leandro Trossard a world-class deputy. Arsenal are in the race for Nico Williams and the 22-year-old would be the perfect attacking signing.

Kai Havertz’s best position is yet to be clear but he finished last season well at centre-forward under Arteta with Gabriel Jesus able to play across the forward line. Reiss Nelson, though, could fall further down the pecking order if Williams signs and could be sold as a result.

A new striker does remain something the Gunners want to do but they don’t seem to be any closer to signing one

The Sporting CP striker’s arrival could spell the end of Eddie Nketiah’s time in red with Marseille reportedly keen on bringing him to France this summer.

Arsenal’s dream squad after pre-season

Goalkeepers: Raya, Bentley, Hein, Setford*

Defenders: Saliba, Magalhaes, Timber, Calafiori, White, Tomiyasu, Zinchenko

Midfielders: Odegaard, Rice, Jorginho, Vieira, Smith Rowe, Merino, Nwaneri*, Lewis-Skelly

Attackers: Jesus, Nico Williams, Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard, Gyokeres