How Arsenal could line up with new signings next season.After spending big on bringing in Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid last summer, there are indications that Arsenal could be set to make more major signings to strengthen their squad this summer, with the Spanish giants in their sights again as Arsene Wenger lines up a possible triple raid on the Bernabeu.
With new signings needed in most areas of the pitch, a number of high-profile players have been strongly linked with the Gunners, and could create an exciting new-look starting lineup for the club as they look to mount a serious title challenge next season. Taking into account the various stories circulating at the moment, CaughtOffside looks at how Arsenal could line up in 2014/15, with the addition of five new players.
Goalkeeper and defence:
Recent reports from the Spanish press claim that Arsenal are stepping up their interest in signing unsettled Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, as Arsene Wenger eyes a new number one for next season after seemingly losing patience with current first choice Wojciech Szczesny. Despite Casillas’ poor recent form, particularly for Spain at the World Cup as the holders crashed out early, the Spaniard remains a legendary figure in the game and could be a great short-term signing before trying again to promote Szczesny to first choice in a couple of years.
Elsewhere in defence, Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal to sign Newcastle United right-back Mathieu Debuchy for around £10m. The Frenchman is currently on World Cup duty with his country and should be in the starting lineup as his side face Germany in today’s quarter-final clash, but an exit from the tournament could speed up his move to the Emirates Stadium, where he would replace the recently departed Bacary Sagna, now of Manchester City.
With Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs all among Arsenal’s most solid performers for much of last season, they remain first choice in this new-look side, with only Casillas and Debuchy coming in to improve the crucial areas.