Arsenal possible Champions League lineup this season as Raheem Sterling and South American superstar joins on a transfer deadline day – Arteta set to try new formation due to the recent inclusion of Raheem Sterling
Arsenal finished a hectic transfer deadline day having added two new members to the squad in the form of Neto and Raheem Sterling. At the start of the day it had felt like perhaps no one would be brought into the team, yet sporting director Edu worked into the early hours to complete the deals Arsenal needed.
The club have signed five players this summer in a combination of permanent and temporary deals while they have seen three players sold, three released at the end of their contracts and five sent on loan. It has left the squad somewhat thinner, but some internal promotions have brought the numbers up to reasonable levels – yet there are still beliefs the team remains short in the forward area, with summer signing Mikel Merino’s injury already putting pressure on the midfield in particular.
In goal, David Raya’s loan move was made permanent, while Aaron Ramsdale left the club permanently and Karl Hein joined Real Valladolid on loan for the season. Arthur Okonkwo was released and the club brought in Neto on loan from Bournemouth, while moves for Dan Bentley and Sam Tickle failed to materialise meaning Tommy Setford – the 18-year-old signed from Ajax this summer – will become the third-choice stopper this season.
In defence, Arsenal released Cedric Soares and saw Nuno Tavares leave on loan to Lazio with an obligatory purchase clause to join the Italian side permanently in the summer of next year. Riccardo Calafiori joined in the most expensive deal of Arsenal’s summer, but Kieran Tierney’s injury prevented him from being sold and he will likely see out at least the next few months of his dwindling contract in north London.
William Saliba, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been strengthened by the recovery of Jurrien Timber with exciting youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly a player expected to make some senior appearances either at left-back or in defensive midfield this season. Jakub Kiwior also stayed despite links with an exit and was told by the club that they could not sanction a move – the Pole will be needed for the four competitions the Gunners are in this campaign.
Into midfield and Merino’s injury is a real blow that leaves Arsenal in a relatively precarious position, especially if Thomas Partey suffers yet another problem. Declan Rice is supported by Jorginho and perhaps the aforementioned Lewis-Skelly who might take the position filled by the released Mohammed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga, who joined Sevilla on loan.
Martin Odegaard has lost Fabio Vieira as his backup for the attacking midfield role following a move back to Porto on loan. However, like with Lewis-Skelly, another youngster is primed and ready to take advantage. Fans should be excited about what Ethan Nwaneri is going to be able to produce – yet it feels like these six players are a very low number for a side looking to fight on multiple fronts.
The same can be said up top with Eddie Nketiah being sold, Reiss Nelson leaving on loan and even Vieira who has covered at right wing; only one forward player was brought in – Raheem Sterling. A shrewd and cheap deal for the Gunners to complete on deadline day, and an exciting one to see how he combines with Mikel Arteta again.
Yet, Bukayo Saka still lacks a quality right-wing competitor and Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are the only natural centre-forwards in the squad (more than Manchester City have, though). Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli will continue their battle on the left wing but the January transfer window again may be called upon to secure the depth that is still needed.
Full Arsenal 25-man squad following 2024 summer transfer window:
Goalkeepers: Raya, Neto, Setford
Defenders: White, Tomiyasu, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Calafiori, Zinchenko, Tierney, Lewis-Skelly
Midfielders: Rice, Jorginho, Partey, Merino, Odegaard, Nwaneri
Forwards: Saka, Trossard, Jesus, Martinelli, Sterling, Havertz
