da prosport bet： The Gunners have recruited smartly this summer, but it's now down to their manager to be brave and select his best team

da bet7： Arsenal could not have done much better in the summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta identified his key targets early on and, David Raya aside, three were integrated into the squad in time for pre-season.

The early signs suggest that that trio of new arrivals are all going straight into the starting XI. Jurrien Timber adds extra ball-playing and versatility to the defence, Declan Rice is one of the best defensive midfielders around and Kai Havertz could be transformative if Arteta can unlock his mercurial talent.

These fresh faces complement a unit that came shockingly close to ending the club's wait for a Premier League title last season – something that was inconceivable when the campaign began. There will be no element of surprise this time around, with Arsenal pretty much universally tipped to challenge at the business end of the table.

Below, GOAL takes a look at how the Gunners should line up for the majority of their Premier League and European fixtures in 2023-24:

GettyGK: David Raya

It's hard not to love Aaron Ramsdale. A few eyebrows were raised when the Gunners spent £30 million ($38m) to bring him to the Emirates, on the back of successive Premier League relegations with Bournemouth and Sheffield United, but the Englishman has risen to the challenge over the past two seasons, becoming a firm favourite with the fans in the process.

Football is an unforgiving game though, and Arteta has shown typical toughness in pushing the club to sign Raya this summer. It might seem heartless, but expect to see the Spaniard usurp Ramsdale as Arsenal's No.1 this season. The numbers don't lie.

Raya registered the best save percentage in the Premier League last season and also comfortably bettered Ramsdale's post-shot xG minus goals allowed numbers – the latter being the most reliable, numerical indication of shot-stopping ability.

The data also suggests Raya is a better distributor. He completed 39.3 percent of his passes over 40 yards last campaign, while Ramsdale only managed 25.4%. In addition, Raya is a superior 'sweeper keeper', averaging more offensive actions outside his penalty area than Ramsdale.

All of this points to the same conclusion: Ramsdale's days as the Gunners undisputed No.1 are over. He will still contribute, with Arsenal primed to play more games than they have previously under Arteta if all goes to plan, but Raya is likely to start more Premier League matches.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Jurrien Timber

It may seem a little harsh on Ben White, who scarcely put a foot wrong last season, but Timber will most likely be Arsenal's starting right-back. The Gunners haven't spent €46 million (£40m/$52m) for the Dutchman to sit on the bench.

Timber was used across all three defensive roles in pre-season, but with Arsenal's centre-back positions occupied by one of the most assured partnerships in the league, slotting into a right-sided berth seems most feasible.

It's not an overstatement to describe the 22-year-old as one of the most technical defenders in the Premier League, and this calmness in possession perfectly suits the way Arteta wants his side to play.

Getty ImagesCB: William Saliba

William Saliba started the 2022-23 season in sensational form, with his performances scarcely dipping in quality until he suffered an untimely back injury in March. Arsenal's Premier League title bid fell apart in his absence, with the Gunners winning just five of their last 11 games without the Frenchman.

Keeping him fit and healthy is paramount if the north Londoners are going to mount another bid for Premier League glory this season. No one in reserve offers anywhere near as well-rounded a game as Saliba.

Getty ImagesCB: Gabriel

The other half of Arsenal's tried and tested centre-back pair, Gabriel is set for another season in the heart of the Gunners defence. Although occasionally prone to a lapse in concentration or a rash challenge, the Brazilian has proved to be an inspired signing since arriving at the club from Lille.

No player in the Arsenal squad completed more passes than Gabriel last season and he also registered the best aerial duels won percentage, highlighting his importance to the team. If he's unavailable, White, Timber or Jakub Kiwior are capable of filling in. Rob Holding is still around, too…