Gunners target new right-back and new midfield anchor…
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Arsenal look on the verge of signing Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle, but the side still needs to invest on a new striker and arguably a new holding midfielder as well.
If veteran manager Arsene Wenger secures his targets, here’s how the Gunners could line up ahead of the 20114/15 season…
GK) Iker Casillas
Arsene Wenger has apparently phone-called the legendary Spanish keeper, to convince him to move to the Emirates, after he lost his place to Diego Lopez last term. Wojciech Szczesny performed excellently last term though, and it’s unlikely the young Pole will give up his spot without a fight.
DR) Mathieu Debuchy
Although he didn’t get too many plaudits last term with Newcastle – Debuchy actually performed very well. As a result, the Gunners look like they’ll bring him in to replace the outgoing Bacary Sagna.
DC) Laurent Koscielny
The Frenchman struggled to get in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup starting XI- but he’s one of the first names on the Arsenal team sheet.
DC) Per Mertesacker
The giant German is almost certain to retain his place in the centre of defence alongside his French partner next term.
DL) Kieran Gibbs
Wenger likes Gibbs, and Spaniard Nacho Monreal provides more than adequate backup from the bench.
MC) Sven Bender
The German battler could arrive at Arsenal to provide a more stable platform than Mikel Arteta or Mathieu Flamini, from which the rest of the side can perform.
MC) Aaron Ramsey/Jack Wilshere
By deploying a defensive midfielder, Wenger has to choose between the excellent Aaron Ramsey and the injury ridden Jack Wilshere to potentially partner him. Ramsey shone last term, and could be pushed further forward – with Wilshere available as an option on the left as well.
AMR) Theo Walcott
The rapid wide man wlil hopefully return from his long injury and light up the Premier League once more.
AMC) Mesut Ozil
There’s now way Wenger will stop his brilliant German record signing from playing in the pivotal no.10 role.
AML) Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez would provide pace and direction up Arsenal’s left, although the Gunners face a battle with Liverpool for his services. The Gunners are leading the race for his signature though.
FC) Olivier Giroud
The Frenchman may receive ample backup in the form of Loic Remy, who has signed a three year QPR deal – with Giroud often going missing in big matches last term.