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Defense
Right-back: Max Aarons
Max Aarons has received numerous interest from top teams across Europe in recent months, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United both reportedly keen on the Englishman. Both teams have since moved on to other options and Arsenal could have a free run at acquiring Aarons.
Aarons was promoted to the Norwich first-team set-up in 2018 and has gone on to make 130 appearances for the Canaries. The 21-year-old is predominantly a right-back but can also play at left-back.
Arsenal are currently looking to sell Hector Bellerin this summer and would need to replace the right-back should he depart. Cedric Soares is the only other option for the role and Aarons would have no problem entering the starting XI at Arsenal.
Centre-back: Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes joined Arsenal from Ligue 1 outfit Lille last summer and went on to make 32 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.
With David Luiz out of the side and William Saliba out on another loan spell, competition for minutes at centre-back has been significantly reduced. Gabriel should therefore secure a place in the starting XI for Arsenal.
Centre-back: Ben White
Arsenal completed a £58 million deal for Ben White in July, making the 23-year-old their fourth most expensive signing ever.
White was a regular for Brighton last season, making 36 appearances in the Premier League for the Seagulls. He made the most interceptions for a defender at Brighton with 1.7 per game, higher than any Arsenal central defender last season. He also made the second-most progressive passes in the Premier League for a centre-back.
White's impressive showings for Brighton saw him included in the England squad for Euro 2020. The new signing would be a starter for Mikel Arteta in defense.
Left-back: Kieran Tierney
Tierney joined Arsenal from Celtic in 2019. His debut campaign, however, was interrupted by a major injury midseason. He returned to full fitness last season and went on to make 38 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions.
The Scotland international had the most goal involvements from defense for Arsenal last season, scoring once and assisting three. The 24-year-old was a member of the Scotland side at Euro 2020.
Tierney will have to compete for the left-back spot in Arsenal's starting XI with new signing Nuno Tavares. He should, however, come out on top for most of the season.
Midfield
Central midfielder: Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey made a deadline day switch from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal last summer. Although injuries really disrupted his season, Partey was very influential for Arsenal on occasion.
Partey completed the most dribbles per game from the midfield for Arsenal in the Premier League with an outstanding 79% success rate. He also made the most tackles in the team as he was very dominant both in attack and defense.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping Partey can stay injury-free next season and deliver even more for Arsenal.
Attacking midfielder: James Maddison
Arsenal are on the search for a creative force in midfield and Leicester City's James Maddison has been mooted as a potential target.
Maddison made 31 Premier League appearances for Leicester City last season. The Englishman averaged the most shots per game in the league for all Leicester City midfielders. He also created the most chances for the team for a third consecutive season.
Leicester City are in no hurry to sell Maddison as the 24-year-old still has a contract that runs until 2024. Arsenal are however keen on the midfielder and are expected to push strongly for his signing before the transfer window closes.
Attacking midfielder: Emile Smith Rowe
The Arsenal youngster secured a place in Mikel Arteta's plans last season. Having been out on loan twice, Emile Smith Rowe remained at Arsenal last season and put in highly encouraging performances for the Gunners.
Smith Rowe made 20 appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal last season, 33 in all competitions. The 21-year-old scored two goals in the league and assisted four times. The Englishman also created the most chances per game for Arsenal in the league.
Emile Smith Rowe's performances for Arsenal last season saw the club reward him with a five-year contract in July. He was also handed the number 10 jersey further affirming Arsenal's confidence in the youngster.
