Arsenal, what a great start they had this season, but as always they failed to capitalize their best chance of winning the title. Arsene Wenger has been facing a heavy criticism for the past few months and many of the Arsenal’s faithful are demanding his departure from the club.
He has been the longest serving manager for the club and he alone made Arsenal what it is today, but I too feel that maybe it is the right time for Wenger to step down as a manager and hand over the reins to someone else.
Well, Wenger staying or not is a completely different issue, but what we are talking about here is Transfers! I honestly feel that the side needs to tighten up their defence and besides that, they need someone who can drive the team in their attacks as Welbeck and Giroud has been failing in the same the entire season.
So, here we are making a lineup for Arsenal including the players who are linked with the club-
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech-
At the end of the current season, Arsenal will have 3 world class shot stoppers namely the Polish professional Wojciech Szczęsny, the Columbian stopper David Ospina, and the Czech sensation Petr Cech. It seems that the ex- Arsenal’s number one Szczesny has found a footing with his current side AS Roma and might get a permanent stay there. And if that happens, Arsenal will have to choose between their current options, and maybe the choice will be very simple.
Petr Cech has been Arsenal’s number one since his arrival from Chelsea. The Czech international has barely done anything wrong and whosoever the manager will be, he will surely trust the 33-year-old Cech to guard his post.
Right Back: Hector Bellerin-
Arsenal’s number 24 has been their first choice full back this season. Since Callum Chambers was struggling to get fit over his injury, Arsene decided to go out with the 21-year-old Spanish full back. He delivered some extraordinary performances and established himself as the number one contender for the position.
Hector is well known for his sprinting ability which allows him to make some threatening forward runs. Though he needs to work on his defensive capabilities, he is also a good passer of the ball; and his accurate crossing easily makes him one of the best youngsters around the globe.
Center Back: Mehdi Benatia-
It is not a surprise that the manager will be looking to search a perfect center back for the team. The recent reports claim that Arsene Wenger is targeting Bayern Munich’s center half, Mehdi Benatia. Bayern Munich has recently signed Mats Hummels and that surely dangers the Moroccan’s spot in the team.
The team will be delighted to see the towering defender in the squad, and he will surely fit the bills of Arsene Wenger in the team. With Per Mertesacker and Gabriel struggling in the league, Benatia will be a perfect addition to the squad, and his experience will help the team in near future.
Center Back: Laurent Koscielny-
The French center back is Arsenal’s one of the longest serving player in the current scenario. He has been wonderful throughout the season, and will do even better if a perfect partner is found in the same position. He has been Arsenal’s top defender since long time and is not looking to step down any time soon
Speaking honestly, if a new and a perfect center back arrives at the London club, this French international will be a beast in Arsenal’s defence. He is not the tallest one in the league, but his ability to head the ball is a delight and that’s why he makes up to our list.
Left Back: Raphael Guerreiro-
That is a strange name, isn’t it? The Spanish full back Nacho Monreal has been a decent performer this year, but with age not supporting his side, he might get replaced by someone as young as Guerreiro.
Raphael Guerreiro plays for French side Lorient and if the reports are to be justified, then Arsenal are preparing a bid for the left back in the coming transfer window. He has not been in the spotlight mainly because of PSG’s triumph this season, but he shows real character in his play.
The 22-year-old is being followed by Arsenal and the team is facing a tough competition from Italian side AS Roma.
Defensive Midfielder: N’golo Kante-
This name took a sudden rise in European football this season. And as the name became famous, he is wanted by some of Europe’s elite clubs. Kante has been brilliant throughout the season and did a great job in the midfield area.
The rumors are suggesting that Arsenal wants the French international at their disposal and are looking positive to sign him up. Arsenal had Coquelin and Elneny at their side this season, and they did a fantastic job, but with Coquelin getting injury prone, the side might look for a replacement and who is better than this little French beast.
Central Midfielder: Granit Xhaka-
Everyone saw that coming isn’t it? The 23-year-old Swiss international has been on the radar of the Gunners for a long time and this time, Arsenal might succeed. Xhaka has been an important figure for M’gladbach this season and he did his job with perfection.
Arsenal are currently knocking the doors of this Swiss professional and to be honest, Xhaka should not miss the opportunity as playing for Arsenal will be an honour and besides that, he will be featuring in Champions League football every year.
Right Wing: Mesut Ozil-
The German international did everything he can for the side this season. He alongside Sanchez was simply the outstanding performer for the Gunners. Arsenal never had problems in building up the play and thanks to Mesut Ozil for the same.
Arsene Wenger or whosoever will join the club next year, he cannot afford to lose the player at any cost or the team will suffer heavily in terms of building up the play. His vision and reading of the game took the premier league by storm and recorded the most number of assists to his name.
Left Wing: Alexis Sanchez-
Simply the best! The Chilean has been outstanding in the current season for the Gunners. Talking in terms of future reference, the 27-year-old is simply the most important player for the side. His tenacity and his pace gives a different dimension to the team.
Losing the player in coming years will cost a lot to Arsenal. He is a really hardworking and energetic player who has been scoring the goals with both feet. Arsenal can use the Chilean in many ways as he is capable of playing in various midfield positions.
Attacking Miefielder: Henrikh Mkhitaryan-
The Armenian professional needs no introduction this year. He has been one of the best performers for the side this year and has been amongst those few players, who reached the double figure in both goals and assists. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder recorded 10 goals and 15 assists to his name this season.
The reports around Europe are suggesting that Arsenal are trying hard to sign this player and if the signing is completed, Gunners will have a gem to show for. He is simply the unsung hero in the football industry and who can be a threat to any defence.
Striker: Alvaro Morata-
The Spanish international is currently the most wanted strikers in Europe. As the season is coming to its end, many European giants want to grab his services as he will be available at a cheap price.
Arsenal are currently amongst those giants who want to snatch the Spanish striker. Arsenal have been struggling a lot in terms of their attacks and have been missing the link in the same. Alvaro’s arrival at the Emirates will surely solve the problem for the Gunners and that’s why, he is on our list.
Renee Slegers has strongly denied reports of splits and player power issues within the Arsenal Women camp, insisting the reigning Champions League winners remain united despite sitting eight points behind WSL leaders Manchester City.
The Athletic published a damaging report during the international break, alleging divisions in the Gunners’ dressing room and dissent over player influence.
Slegers addressed the claims head-on during Friday’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with bottom-placed Liverpool.
“There Will Be Noise” – Renee Slegers Hits Back at Dressing Room Unrest Reports as Arsenal Face Liverpool
“We won the Champions League, historically Arsenal has been the most successful team in England,” Slegers fired back. “There will be noise, there is noise. That’s all on the outside. We know what we’re doing on the inside.”
High-Performance Environment Creates Challenges
The Arsenal boss acknowledged the demands of elite football while defending her squad’s mentality. “It’s a high-performance environment so it’s a very challenging environment, we demand a lot of things from each other and it should be like that,” she explained.
“Every group of people will have things that they have to manage and get through. I am very positive about where we are at. We’re in a process, I believe in the process and we’re going in a really good direction.”
Slegers expressed frustration at the timing and nature of the report. “It’s unfortunate that is what’s written about us when we’re doing so many good things.”
Williamson Returns as Injury Crisis Continues
Arsenal will be without goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and England winger Chloe Kelly for Saturday’s noon kick-off, meaning summer signing Anneke Borbe will make her debut between the posts.
However, there’s positive news with the return of England captain Leah Williamson, who makes her first appearance this season after being sidelined with a knee injury since the European Championship. Midfielder Kim Little is also available again.
“Leah has a presence, which sometimes even without speaking it sets standards and creates a certain environment,” Slegers said. “It will be really, really good to have her back. It’s such a win for the team.”
Liverpool held Chelsea to a draw last month despite sitting bottom of the table, suggesting Saturday’s fixture at the Emirates Stadium won’t be straightforward for an Arsenal side desperately needing to close the gap on City.
Also read: Arsenal Women vs. Liverpool Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal Dragon
Renee Slegers Confirms The Position Arsenal Women Are Looking To Sign a Player From in January Transfer Window
Renee Slegers has confirmed Arsenal will sign a goalkeeper in January after revealing Daphne van Domselaar will miss the remainder of 2025 with a quad tendon issue, leaving the club relying on debutant Anneke Borbe and teenager Amy Liddiard.
The Arsenal boss made the admission during Friday’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Liverpool, where summer signing Borbe will make her full debut with 17-year-old Liddiard providing backup from the bench.
Van Domselaar requires an injection for her quad tendon problem and won’t return until the new year, compounding Arsenal’s goalkeeper crisis. Manuela Zinsberger is already out for the season after rupturing her ACL in October, one of 17 players across the WSL to suffer knee injuries during that month alone.
“We Need Three Goalkeepers Available”
Asked directly if Arsenal want to sign a goalkeeper in January, Slegers didn’t hesitate. “Yes, definitely, because Manu is out and Daphne has been managing issues, so we’re definitely looking,” she said.
“We’re definitely looking at that position because we think we need a really strong goalkeeper union with three goalkeepers available and we’re not in that situation at the moment so we’ll have to solve that for the second half of the season.”
Arsenal have also been linked with Swedish right-back Smilla Holmberg as they look to strengthen multiple positions during the winter window.
Chloe Kelly Adds to Injury Woes
The goalkeeper situation isn’t Arsenal’s only injury concern for Saturday’s noon kick-off. Chloe Kelly suffered a knee injury on England duty against Ghana on Tuesday and will miss the Liverpool match. Like van Domselaar, Kelly could be unavailable until the new year.
Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang (on loan at Brighton) have also suffered season-ending ACL injuries this campaign, highlighting the brutal injury toll Arsenal have endured.
Slegers Dismisses Dressing Room “Unrest” Reports
Slegers was also asked about The Athletic’s report claiming the dressing room has been “splintered for many years” with some players “wielding significant influence” and underlying tension between squad members.
The Arsenal boss firmly rejected the narrative. “We won the Champions League, historically we are the most successful club in England, there is noise on the outside, there will always be noise, but on the inside we know what we are doing,” she responded.
“I didn’t agree with it and I think it is unfortunate that this is what is written about us while we are doing so many good things and a lot of people invested in the process.”
Also read: Arsenal Women vs. Liverpool Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal face their toughest test of the season as they travel to Villa Park, where Aston Villa have been nearly impenetrable. The Gunners hold a six-point advantage over third-placed Villa, but their defensive injury crisis threatens to derail their title momentum.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, December 6, 2025
Venue: Villa Park
Referee: Michael Oliver
TV: TNT Sports 1
Form Guide
Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners in this exact fixture last season, with goals from Trossard and Thomas Partey settling matters at Villa Park. However, Villa dealt a seismic blow to Arsenal’s title bid with a 2-0 away victory in mid-April 2024, helping Manchester City to win the league. A 2-2 draw at the Emirates last January again stunted Arsenal’s championship pursuit.
Villa have been in exceptional form, winning seven of their last eight games across all competitions. They showed character in midweek to claim a 4-3 win over Brighton, despite trailing 2-0 after half an hour. Ollie Watkins enjoyed a welcome return to form, netting twice in the first half. At home, Villa have won five of their seven fixtures this season and are unbeaten in their last 25 Premier League home games.
Arsenal maintained their five-point lead at the top with a 2-0 win over Brentford in midweek. Goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches across all competitions. However, the match came at a cost with injuries to Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera.
Team News
Arsenal’s defensive crisis has reached alarming levels. Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a thigh problem while representing Brazil during the November international break and could be missing for up to two months. William Saliba has missed the last two matches after suffering a knock in training, though Arteta confirmed it should be “a matter of days” before his return.
Cristhian Mosquera was forced off before half-time against Brentford with an ankle injury and is set to miss 6 to 8 weeks of football. Declan Rice also limped off late on with a calf issue, though the midfielder told Sky Sports he is “fine” and expects to be available. Leandro Trossard could return from a muscle injury, with Arteta confirming he should be back within “a matter of days.” Kai Havertz remains weeks away from returning after knee surgery complications.
For Villa, Emiliano Martinez is a major doubt with a back injury that kept him out against Brighton. The Argentine was forced to withdraw from the lineup after experiencing pain during the warm-up. Ross Barkley is ruled out for 8-12 weeks with a knee injury suffered against Wolves. Tyrone Mings remains sidelined with a thigh injury and won’t be available until late December at the earliest.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Timber, Hincapié, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
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