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.Defensive midfield:
Another raid on Real Madrid could come in the form of German midfielder Sami Khedira, who would likely be ahead of the likes of Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini next season and line up alongside in-form Welshman Aaron Ramsey. The 27-year-old is reportedly the subject of a £23.8m bid from Arsenal as they look to make improvements in the midfield department for next season. Although Arsene Wenger notably turned down the chance to re-sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, a player such as Khedira remains a top target of his, though interest in £44m man Arturo Vidal may now have cooled, with Khedira available for almost half that price after falling out of favour at the Bernabeu.Attacking midfield and upfront:
In a mouth-watering front four, Arsenal could be set to make a third raid on Real Madrid this summer with the addition of Argentine winger Angel Di Maria, who could line up either on the right or left flank depending on the availability of others. The 26-year-old has just had an outstanding campaign for Real, scoring 11 goals and providing 26 assists as he picked up a Champions League medal for his troubles. Also linked with Manchester United, it is thought that the Spanish giants could be willing to let him leave for just £40m this summer as they look to reinvest the money on other high-profile transfer targets. If Arsenal could bring in a player of this quality into the wide positions, it would be another major boost as he lines up alongside his old team-mate Mesut Ozil at the Emirates Stadium.
Another major signing from La Liga could come in the form of Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez – another top player who looks likely to be made available for transfer this summer despite his 21 goals and 15 assists in 2013/14. The Chilean was in fine form for his country at the World Cup, raising demand in his signature even further, and he could be a great new signing to start upfront for Arsene Wenger’s side if they can beat the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool to his signature.
Possible 2014/15 Arsenal starting XI in full:
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