Ben White is set to make his competitive debut for Arsenal on Friday when they Gunners face Brentford in the opening match of the 2021/22 Premier League season.
The former Brighton defender arrived earlier in the summer for a fee of £50 million, with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta prioritising the acquisition of a new centre-back in the transfer window.
Though that is a positive signing, the transfer window hasn't been especially kind to Arsenal so far as they have lost out on a number of targets including Emiliano Buendia, who chose Aston Villa instead, and Manuel Locatelli, who is set to join Juventus.
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Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares have arrived in addition to White, but the North London side need more reinforcements before the registration window shuts at the end of August.
The Gunners face a tough task in their opener as they take on Brentford, who will still be on a high following their promotion.
In goal Bernd Leno will start, even with the constant links to Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale not going away.
There are doubts over the future of Hector Bellerin, but he will likely start at right-back with Kieran Tierney on the left.
Gabriel is injured and Rob Holding is a doubt, so Pablo Mari will partner White in the centre of defence.
Thomas Partey has been rules out for a month, which means a selection dilemma in midfield for Arteta.
Sambi may be given the nod to partner Granit Xhaka ahead of Mohamed Elneny.
Xhaka was close to leaving Arsenal for Roma this summer but it looks like the Switzerland international will stay, which is probably good news for the club are they are certainly light in central midfielders.
No attacking reinforcements have arrived so Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might be asked to play out on the left to accommodate Alexandre Lacazette up top.
Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are now automatic starters in attacking midfield.
Arsenal starting XI versus Brenford
