Mikel Arteta's project has led the Gunners to back-to-back second place finishes and their best performance in the top flight in 20 years - when they last hoisted that majestic piece of silverware aloft. They have, however, reached that awkward point of seemingly needing 'just a couple more' to get them over the line. Arsenal's starting lineup is so strong that building upon it is mightily tough.
That's the problem Mauricio Pochettino ran into at off the back of a superb 2016/17 campaign, with Spurs failing to ever go one better with the Argentine at the helm. Arteta requires specialists to get Arsenal over the hump, but we shouldn't expect the Gunners' starting lineup to look much different to the Spaniard's strongest XI from last season. Here's what Arsenal's team could look like for the 2024/25 season.
Arsenal moved ruthlessly to upgrade their goalkeeper position last season by adding Raya to usurp fan favourite . Many disputed the decision for months, and while Raya wasn't perfect, he proved to be an upgrade on the Englishman. The Spaniard ended the season with the Golden Glove and his loan move was made permanent this summer.
Gareth Southgate's exit means White may no longer have the luxury of enjoying his international breaks off. The converted centre-back would've surely been included in Southgate's Euro 2024 if it wasn't for that hoo-ha at the 2022 World Cup. White was among the best-performing right-backs in the division last season, especially down the stretch and w.