How Arsenal could line up if they sign Nabil Fekir as Martin Odegaard transfer alternative

Arsenal: The remaining Premier League fixtures

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Arsenal are reported to be leading the race to sign Nabil Fekir if Real Madrid refuse to sanction a permanent move to the Emirates for Martin Odegaard in the summer transfer window. Express Sport looks at how Mikel Arteta’s side could line up next season with the Real Betis playmaker in their side.

Goalkeeper

Arsenal have been linked with Brentford keeper David Raya over the past couple of windows, and could launch a bid this summer.

The Bees keeper has kept 10 clean sheets in the Championship this season – but could fancy a step up to the Premier League if his side fails to win promotion.

Arsenal of course have Bernd Leno as their current first choice, as well as Mat Ryan after his January loan signing from Brighton.

The Gunners couild make Ryan’s move permanent, with the 28-year-old entering the final year of his Brighton contract this summer.

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Defence

Kieran Tierney is a shoo-in at left-back, having been one of Arsenal’s best players this season. 

Right-back Hector Bellerin continues to be linked with a switch to Barcelona, with Cedric Soares likely to be first choice at right-back if his team-mate departs.

Arsenal are also said to be looking at Emerson Royal, who is loan at Betis from the Nou Camp, as a right-back option.

There is uncertainty over whether David Luiz will be offered another year’s contract, so Rob Holding and Gabriel Magalhaes could be the centre-back partnership – with Pablo Mari also pushing for a place.

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Midfield

This is where Fekir would come in, with the French international playing the No10 role currently occupied by Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, and he could vy with Granit Xhaka to be  Thomas Partey’s midfield partner.

It is still to be decided whether Dani Ceballos stays at the Emirates, with the 24-year-old currently on a season-long loan from Real Madrid.

Arteta would also have Mohamed Elneny as back-up – although the 28-year-old will soon enter the final year of his contract.

Attack

Bukayo Saka would remain on the right side of Arsenal’a attack in the role he has made his own this season.

Amid uncertainty of Alexandre Lacazette’s future, Pierre-Emerick would most likely be the man to lead the line.

With Fekir playing in Emile Smith Rowe’s favoured No10 role, the youngster could be switched out to the left.

Arsenal have options on that flank, however, with Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe and Aubameyang all able to play there.

Potential Arsenal line-up next season: Raya; Soares, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Bissouma; Saka, Fekir, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang.

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