Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

A way too early Arsenal 2022/23 predicted starting XI

By James Cormack

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates scoring his goal with team mates during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates scoring his goal with team mates during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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Gabriel Jesus should be an Arsenal player come the start of the new season. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus should be an Arsenal player come the start of the new season. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images) /

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Our Starboy and 2021/22 Player of the Season. Saka appeared in every Premier League game last time out and is in desperate need of superior competition for his place in the XI. Arteta simply couldn’t rely on Nicolas Pepe which meant Saka burned out towards the end of the campaign. Arsenal are expected to sign a winger this summer with Leeds’ Raphinha strongly linked, but any new arrival will have a tough job usurping the Englishman.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Gabriel Jesus is not yet an Arsenal player, but this is a deal the Gunners should get over the line. Whether Arteta views Jesus’ future as #9 remains to be seen, but he’ll undoubtedly get the chance to compete with Eddie Nketiah for a starting role up top. The Brazilian’s flexibility means he could also function as a wide forward, a role he performed to a high standard for Pep Guardiola last season.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – A new arrival down the flanks is expected and they’re more likely to compete with Martinelli for a place in Arteta’s strongest XI. However, the Gunners’ current links are all stronger off the right, although Raphinha can play down the left. I’d love to see the club make a statement move for Raheem Sterling. Nevertheless, I’m projecting Martinelli to be the first choice come the start of the 2022/23 season. Emile Smith Rowe is another option.