Rodrygo and Viktor Gyokeres lead dream Arsenal XI ahead of Mikel Arteta transfer masterplan

Before Mikel Arteta's transfer masterplan, Rodrygo and Viktor Gyökeres lead a dream Arsenal XI. As the summer transfer window edges closer, the buzz around Arsenal intensifies. After a season of immense progress under Mikel Arteta, narrowly missing out on the Premier League title once again, the North London giants are set to enter the market with surgical precision. Rodrygo of Real Madrid and Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting CP, both making headlines, are central to their goals. These two attacking talents are rumored to be at the forefront of Arteta’s dream XI for the 2025/26 season—a vision that, if executed, could turn Arsenal from contenders into champions.

### The Dream Duo: Rodrygo and Gyökeres

Rodrygo Goes has long been viewed as a future star of world football. Despite fierce competition at Real Madrid, he has consistently delivered on big occasions, from Champions League semi-finals to El Clásico encounters. Yet with the imminent arrival of Kylian Mbappé and the continued emergence of Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo may be seeking a new challenge—one where he can be the main man. Arsenal, with their Champions League ambitions and dynamic playing style, present an ideal platform.

Rodrygo’s technical ability, flair, and versatility would slot seamlessly into Arsenal’s system. Capable of playing across the front three, his addition could finally provide the Gunners with the kind of elite final-third creativity that has sometimes been lacking. His close control and ability to beat defenders one-on-one mirror the profile of players like Riyad Mahrez or prime Eden Hazard—figures Arsenal fans have long envied.

Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres offers a very different, yet equally necessary skillset. The Swedish striker has had a sensational season at Sporting CP, scoring over 30 goals and assisting double digits across all competitions. At 6’2”, Gyökeres combines physical dominance with a surprising turn of pace and excellent link-up play. His presence up front would give Arsenal a focal point—something they’ve lacked since the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

While Gabriel Jesus brings industry and movement, and Eddie Nketiah offers flashes of promise, neither has cemented themselves as consistent 20-goal strikers. Gyökeres not only guarantees goals, but also the kind of direct threat that would keep Premier League defences on edge.

### Arteta’s Vision: A Tactical Evolution

Bringing Rodrygo and Gyökeres into the fold isn’t just about star power—it’s about evolution. Arteta has carefully sculpted a side that controls games with possession, press intensity, and positional interchangeability. Yet the final piece of the puzzle remains consistent goal conversion and clinical execution in the final third.

Adding Rodrygo would give Arsenal the ability to unpick low blocks with trickery and unpredictability, while Gyökeres would allow them to play more directly when needed—perfect for breaking down tough away opponents or late-game situations where a target man becomes crucial.

The team might line up as a 4-3-3 in this dream XI: * **Goalkeeper:** Aaron Ramsdale

* **Defence:** Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Oleksandr Zinchenko

* **Midfield:** Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz

* **Attack:** Rodrygo (RW), Gyökeres (ST), Bukayo Saka (LW)

This setup allows Saka to remain devastating on the left, with Rodrygo cutting in from the right onto his stronger foot. Gyökeres would occupy centre-backs and open spaces for Ødegaard and Havertz to exploit with late runs into the box.

### Depth and Rotation

An often overlooked aspect of Arteta’s strategy is squad depth. With Champions League football and intense domestic competitions, Arsenal need quality off the bench. Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe, Jurrien Timber, and Thomas Partey (if retained) would offer robust depth. Fabio Vieira and Nwaneri also remain intriguing options for creative spark.

Moreover, Arteta’s rotation policy would benefit immensely from the flexibility Rodrygo brings. Able to play either flank or as a false nine, the Brazilian would be invaluable in rotating with Saka or even deputizing centrally in certain matchups.

### Financial and Strategic Considerations

Signing both Rodrygo and Gyökeres would require a financial outlay of potentially over £150 million. However, with a strong financial position, the backing of the Kroenke ownership group, and potential outgoings such as Nketiah, Partey, and possibly Reiss Nelson or Kieran Tierney, Arsenal can manage these investments.

Edu Gaspar, Arsenal’s sporting director, has already demonstrated a sharp eye in securing players who fit Arteta’s vision. Deals for Rice, Zinchenko, and Jesus show the board’s willingness to invest for success.

### Conclusion: From Dream to Reality?

Bringing Rodrygo and Gyökeres to the Emirates would be a clear statement: Arsenal are not just here to compete, but to dominate. While transfers are never guaranteed, the profile of these players, combined with Arteta’s tactical intelligence and Arsenal’s growing prestige, make this dream XI a very plausible reality.

If executed correctly, the summer of 2025 could go down as the defining moment in Arsenal’s return to the pinnacle of English—and European—football.