Martin Zubimendi, Nico Williams and Viktor Gyokeres could transform Arsenal into Premier League champions next season.
That’s the view of talkSPORT’s Darren Bent, who named his dream starting XI for the Gunners in a bid to end their 22-year title wait.
Arsenal are on course to finish second in the Premier League for the third consecutive season after Liverpool were crowned champions.
Manchester City have beaten them to the crown on the other two occasions as Mikel Arteta continues to struggle crossing the line.
The Gunners haven’t won the title since 2004, but a strong summer transfer window could change their fortunes for the better.
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Aston Villa striker and Arsenal fan Bent revealed who he’d want to see in the potential title-winning team.
He told Ade Oladipo on Drive: “David Raya in goal. Then I’ve gone Ben White, [William] Saliba, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly.”
When asked about choosing White over Jurrien Timber, Bent said: “I would. I think Ben White, he’s had injuries but I think he’s better.
“Midfield three, I would love to keep [Thomas] Partey, I hope he signs a new contract because I’m a big fan of his, he’s a big part of what Arsenal do but if not, [Martin] Zubimendi.
“So Zubimendi or Partey holding, [Martin] Odegaard and [Declan] Rice, they’re fine, Odegaard has got to have a big season next season, because this season he’s been poor. “
Oladipo questioned if Zubimendi would start if Partey extended his contract, and Bent replied: “I’d still go [with Zubimendi].
“Because Jorginho’s going to go, so you still need another one, so Zubimendi, Odegaard, Rice.
“On the right, [Bukayo] Saka obviously. On the left, Nico Williams, I like him… Part of a very successful Spain team.”
“100 per cent better than [Gabriel] Martinelli,” Oladipo asked before Bent responded: “I think he could be more consistent.
“We need options… [Leandro] Trossard needs to go, so you still need two, so I’d go Nico Williams on the left. Down the middle, Viktor Gyokeres.
“As we sit today, the guy’s got 52 goals in 50 games and before people go, ‘Yeah, but it’s in the Portuguese league’, and, ‘How strong is that league?’ after Darwin Nunez [Liverpool forward].
“The guy in the Champions League this year has got six goals in eight games, last year in the Europa League, five goals in nine games.”
Speaking further on Gyokeres, Bent added: “I think Darwin Nunez got, for Benfica, around the 25, 30 mark. I don’t think you can scoff at 52 goals, I don’t care what league you’re in.
“And he’s got more goals than games played, the Portuguese league has got some tough opponents but obviously the Champions League is why I think, ‘Ok’.
“He got 43 last year in all comps, and 52 this year, he’s got nearly 100 goals in two seasons.”
Oladipo joked that the team would be good enough to come second again, but Bent insisted: “That team could win the league.”
Zubimendi could become the first Arsenal signing this summer after previously being a transfer target for Liverpool.
talkSPORT understands that the Real Sociedad midfielder has agreed personal terms on a long-term deal in a move set to cost £50million.
European football expert Guillem Balague recently told talkSPORT that Williams is one player Arsenal will attempt to sign.
The 22-year-old has 61 goal contributions in 166 appearances for Athletic Bilbao and, as well as Zubimendi, won Euro 2024 with Spain.
Gyokeres may well be the statement signing for Arsenal this summer though amid another excellent season with Sporting Lisbon.
With 52 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, the former Coventry City man is one of the best strikers in European football.
talkSPORT understands that Arsenal’s Premier League rivals believe they will win the race for the forward.
