We expect Arsenal to sign some star players this summer for the first team…
Find out who are the most valuable players in world football.
With Arsenal yet again fighting for fourth place after a second half of the season collapse, fans are desperate for their club to enter the transfer market this summer…
If they pick up their rumoured targets, here’s how we think the Gunners could line up at the start of next season:
GK) Wojciech Szczesny
The Polish stopper has performed well this term in goal for the Gunners, and especially if Wenger remains in charge, we expect Szczesny to be given the nod to remain between the sticks next season. With Lukasz Fabianksi’s contract expiring though, the Gunners will likely have to buy a new option for the bench.
DR) Serge Aurier
Stalwart right-back Bacary Sagna’s contract expires in the summer, and he’s refusing to extend it. Arsenal will desperately need to replace the Frenchman, and powerful Ivorian Aurier has emerged as the no.1 target. The Toulouse defender is exceptionally powerful, and has already held preliminary talks with Wenger regarding a potential move.
DC) Per Mertesacker
Mertesacker’s partnership with Koscielny was the cornerstone of the fist half of Arsenal’s season. Thrashings at the hands of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have ruined their defensive record, but Gunners fans rate and trust both of the centre-halves.
DC) Laurent Koscielny
Koscielny is excellent with the ball at his feet, and positionally – although the Gunners will probably need to buy a new backup defender if club captain Thomas Vermaelen leaves in the summer. The Belgian is unlikely to be content with a place on the bench behind Koscielny and Mertesacker.
DL) Kieran Gibbs
Gibbs has done enough this term to earn him the spot on the left of defence next season. He’s still just 24-years-old, and is yet to reach his defensive peak.
MC) Lars Bender
While Mikel Arteta can pass the ball, he’s immobile, and Mathieu Flamini has the opposite problem. As a result, we think Arsenal will sign a physical holding midfielder, who has the ability to start attacks from deep as well. Bender would provide just this option. The Gunners made a failed £19m bid for him last summer, and could return for him in time for next season.
MC) Aaron Ramsey
Until Ozil hits his lavish best form regularly, Ramsey is arguably Arsenal’s most important player. The Welshman can score and assist, but also provides legs and energy to the midfield. With Jack Wilshere’s constant injury problems, it’s impossible to consider him as a nailed on starter for the entirety of next term, while Arsenal look a completely different side when Ramsey starts.
AMR) Theo Walcott
Walcott’s pace and directness is essential to Arsenal’s offensive tactics. The Englishman is frighteningly quick, and maximises Mesut Ozil’s ability to play intricate through-balls behind the opposition defence, while providing goals as well.
AMC) Mesut Ozil
With a full pre-season behind him, the ludicrously talented German should finally start repaying his £42m price tag. There’s no way, when fit, than Ozil won’t be considered an automatic starter. He’s just too good.
AML) Julian Draxler
Draxler has been heavily, heavily linked to Arsenal, and would add more pace and dribbling ability to the side. He’d likely cost a very large transfer fee, but at just 20-years-old, he has the talent to eventually develop into one of Europe’s most devastating attackers.
FC) Mario Mandzukic
Olivier Giroud has actually bagged 20 goals in all competitions for the Gunners, but fans have heavily criticised his performances in big matches, and his consistency in front of goal. Mandzukic has been lethal for Bayern, but with Robert Lewandowski arriving from Borussia Dortmund, the powerful Croatian could drop down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order. He would likely be expensive, but could provide Arsenal with a world-class spearhead once more.
