Mikel Arteta revealed his strongest Arsenal XI for the season

Former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has claimed new summer signings. Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber do not make Mikel Arteta’s strongest XI.

Mikel Arteta revealed his strongest Arsenal XI for the season

Arsenal have spent more than £200 million this summer to bolster their team ahead of their first Champions League campaign in six years and a revived Premier League title bid. Declan Rice cost a record £105 million to sign from West Ham, while Havertz cost £65 million and Timber cost £38.5 million.

And Djourou, who spent eleven years at Arsenal, believes that only Rice is a step up from the club that finished second to Manchester City last season. “Mikel Arteta isn’t going to change things up in terms of formation; his strongest XI will come in a 4-3-3, that’s for sure,” Djourou exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone.

“Obviously it has to be Aaron Ramsdale in goal, then Ben White on the right, with William Saliba and Gabriel alongside each other at the back, then it’s Oleksandr Zinchenko for me. Jurrien Timber is a good option to have because he’s a bit more dynamic but that would be my back four when everyone’s fit.

“Then I’d put Thomas Partey in the middle, with Declan Rice to his left and Martin Odegaard to his right.” Then I’d have to choose between Gabriel Martinelli on the left and Bukayo Saka on the right, and I believe Gabriel Jesus has the upper hand.

“However, what Arsenal now has on the bench is terrifying.” Leandro Trossard, who is as versatile as Kai Havertz, has been outstanding in pre-season. [Takehiro] Tomiyasu is another good choice. Jorginho brings a wealth of experience, and Timber is a versatile defender.‌

Arsenal spent over £200m to sign Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber

“They have so much depth on the bench now, and that’s critical if they want to compete for every trophy this season.” At the present, there’s an intriguing tendency developing among the elite clubs, most notably Manchester City. And I’m not sure if Arsenal will move in the same path.

“City won everything last season with four center-backs in their defensive line.” Timber was utilized as a left-back on Sunday, which we know he can do, but he’s more accustomed to playing in the middle. He’s more than capable of defending wherever down the line, and Ben White is the same.

“Four solid defenders there in Timber, Gabriel, Saliba and White, they offer you so much protection at the back, allowing the rest of the team to go on and play their game. I see Arsenal being very strong defensively this season, so it’s all about those forward players all getting involved with goals and assists this season.

Djourou’s strongest Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Martinelli, Jesus, Saka