The transfer window may not be officially open yet, but that doesn't mean Arsenal's work hasn't already begun. Edu was able to build Mikel Arteta a top quality squad courtesy of around £125million investment last summer, and something even bigger could be on the cards this time around.
The Gunners will be playing Champions League football for the first time since 2017, and as a result Arteta will need a far deeper squad. One of the areas they look set to strengthen in is central midfield.
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey both had largely impressive seasons, but the pair have both been heavily linked with exits. Albert Sambi Lokonga and Charlie Patino could also both move on. As a result here football.london takes a look at how Arsenal's midfield could look by the time September 2nd comes around.
Dream midfield
It's no secret that Declan Rice is Arsenal's primary midfield target. The Gunners are expected to submit a bid for the England international in the coming days after he won the Europa Conference League trophy with West Ham on Wednesday night.
Rice would be the ideal replacement for Granit Xhaka in the left eight role, while his versatility could also see him used as a six if Mikel Arteta wants to put a more offensive player like Emile Smith Rowe or Fabio Vieira in front of him. The 24 year-old is expected to cost in the region of £100 million.
That might not be the only movement Arsenal make in midfield this summer though. Despite an impressive season for the most part, Thomas Partey's form late in the campaign have seen questions raised over his future. The Ghanaian reportedly has interest in Italy and if he were to leave Arsenal then he would need replacing.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, Declan Rice exit confirmed, Caicedo twist, Neymar move
Mohamed Elneny should be fit at some point next season, while Jorginho has done well since his January arrival, but with Champions League football on the horizon, an overall raise in the quality of the squad will be required. That could see Arsenal go back in for Brighton's Moises Caicedo. He would cost a lot after the Seagulls rejected a £75m bid for him in January. They have signed him to a new contract since then which may will boost the price further. If Arsenal are able to get the Ecuadorian over the line though he would make for a superb addition to the squad.
DREAM ARSENAL MIDFIELD - Caicedo; Rice, Odegaard
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