Arsenal's incredible starting XI with Vinicius Jr and two more deals as transfer progress made

Vinicius Jr has emerged as a genuine candidate to join Arsenal this summer - and the Brazil star could be joined by several other star signings to transform Mikel Arteta's Premier League champions

The prospect of Arsenal signing Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr is an unexpected-but-happy development this summer. After entering the final 12 months of his contract in Spain's capital, Vinicius is reported a target for the Gunners as they look to defend the Premier League crown.

The Gunners have already signed Christos Tzolis to reinforce the left wing following Leandro Trossard's departure for Besiktas. However, signing a talent of Vinicius' calibre is the kind of opportunity that doesn't present itself too often.

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Goalkeeper: David Raya

An absolute no-brainer after winning the Premier League's Golden Glove for the third campaign running. David Raya may have once had question marks over his status as Arsenal's No. 1 after his arrival at the Emirates Stadium but he's transformed to become a critical leader of the defence and looks set to reign between the posts for years to come.

Right-back: Jurrien Timber

The only question mark over Jurrien Timber's place in the XI relates to his availability. However, the versatile defender has now averaged 46 games per season across his last two campaigns for Arsenal to reaffirm he's not the injury-prone concern some feared after a nightmarish first term in England.

There remains some debate as to whether Ben White will remain at the Emirates beyond this summer amid talk of an exit. However, Cristhian Mosquera is on hand to provide cover for the right side of defence even if the England international departs.

Centre-back: Gabriel Magalhaes

One of Arsenal's two pillars in central defence and another non-negotiable of this team. Gabriel starts every day of the week and twice on Sundays, enjoying a new career-best 51 appearances for Arsenal last season alongside his partner in crime.

Centre-back: William Saliba

It says something about William Saliba's impact in defence that as soon as he came out of France's World Cup squad, things took a serious turn for the worst. He came off with a back injury after just 30 minutes in the World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain and was forced to watch from the sidelines as Les Bleus surrendered 6-4 to England in the third-place play-off.

There's an argument to be made Saliba was the most valuable member of Arsenal's title charge last term as he fulfils the potential that was long since forecasted.

Left-back: Riccardo Calafiori

Two seasons into the Riccardo Calafiori experiment and it's fair to suggest Arsenal fans would have hoped to see more of the player. However, that's only because he has such a high impact potential when he is part of the XI.

Injuries have restricted Calafiori to just 44 starts across all competitions since joining in 2024, while he's played a full 90 minutes just 13 times for Arsenal. Some fans may prefer to see Piero Hincapie and the defensive stability he brings but Calafiori's ability to flood midfield and progress the ball makes him a gem of the team when fully fit.

Centre midfield: Declan Rice

The man who was actually given Arsenal's Player of the Season award (for the second straight year), Declan Rice continues to surpass expectations. That £100million spent in the summer of 2023 looks more and more like the best use of nine figures spent in football to date the longer he reigns at the Emirates.

Centre midfield: Bruno Guimaraes

If Arsenal get their way, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes will be a Gunner before the end of this month. Sky Sports News reported this week that the player has his heart set on a move to north London, with the only sticking point being an outlay of at least £80m will be required to land him.

Midfield is a difficult proposition for Arteta at present given the current crop has just won the title. However, in the pursuit of constant progression, these are the fine margins that have to be questioned in moments such as these.

Guimaraes, who turns 29 in November, is on the older end of Arsenal's usual recruitment policy. But in the interests of capitalising on the the current momentum and building a dynasty capable of dominating right now, he would be worth the expense.

Centre midfield: Martin Odegaard

In a world where Guimaraes joins, the third and final midfield slot becomes the most contentious. Martin Zubimendi was omnipresent during the Gunners' run to a first Premier League crown in 22 years but it seems premature to drop a fit Martin Odegaard from the XI.

That being said, there are some growing concerns over Odegaard's place as captain and whether he still represents the same value as when he arrived. It will lead to difficult questions being asked about Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze's places in the squad but having such depth in key positions is a common hallmark of great teams.

Right wing: Bukayo Saka

The first name on any Arsenal team sheet for plenty of fans and it shows after the club made Bukayo Saka their highest-paid star earlier this year. Simply put, there's no-one else in the team capable of offering the same consistent threat off the right side, or arguably across the team as a whole given Saka's ability to create or finish chances.

The signing of Tzolis could give Arteta another outlet if he shows he's capable of transitioning to his less-favoured flank when required. However, the starting berth in that position is under lock and key for at least the next five years if the Gunners get their way.

Striker: Julian Alvarez

Again, it may seem unfair to dislodge a signing like Viktor Gyokeres after his role in ending the title drought. However, Julian Alvarez is available this summer and also sits in that bracket of 'too good to ignore' amid links with Arsenal.

The Argentina ace has his heart set on a move to Barcelona after announcing plans to leave Atletico Madrid. The problem there is Atleti would rather sell to anyone else, which plays strongly into Arsenal's hands, even if it's estimated to cost north of £125m.

Alvarez, 26, is two years younger than Gyokeres and is a better stylistic matchup for Arteta's system given his game is more multifaceted. His arrival would also also mean Kai Havertz becomes more used to a backup role but the German's injury record over the past two campaigns means he may have to get used to the idea.

Left wing: Vinicius Jr

Last but certainly not least, Vinicius could arrive as the gift Arsenal fans never knew they wanted before the summer is through. Again, it would have to be at heavy expense on a fee and wages but it's not every day one is presented with the chance to bring in someone who could so perfectly counter Saka's threat off the opposite wing.

Reports have suggested Vini Jr has already received Real's latest offer worth around £320,000 a week. That provides some benchmark for what Arsenal would be expected to shell out for the player, which could well prove prohibitive, grand opportunity or not.

Speaking in dream terms, however, acquiring the prize jewel of Brazil's attack in the prime of his career is a rare provilege to which modern Arsenal fans aren't accustomed. However, it could well mean compatriot Gabriel Martinelli is forced to follow Trossard through the Emirates exit.