How would the Gunners reported target would fit into their best XI?
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A report in this weekend’s Sunday Times linked Arsenal with a January move for Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko due to the expected prolonged absence of Jack Wilshere and the unreliable fitness of veteran Mikel Arteta.
We take a look at just how Sissoko would fit into the Gunners best starting XI and how their team would shape up with the inclusion of the powerful midfield enforcer.
GK: Wojciech Szczesny
Szczesny looks an absolute certainty to be Arsenal’s number one as soon as he returns from injury, despite two brilliant performances in the space of a week from stand-in Emiliano Martinez.
RB: Mathieu Debuchy
A horrible landing on his ankle put end to Debuchy’s 2014 but he looks set to be back in the Arsenal line-up in 2015 as he continues rehabilitation.
Showed glimpses of why Arsenal lined him up as their ideal Bacary Sagna replacement before his injury and Gunners fans will know welcome the return of the right back considering how light their numbers are at the back.
LB: Kiern Gibbs
One of Arsenal’s most consistent performers and heartbreakingly overlooked for England when it comes to international tournament time.
Put in some brilliant performances this season despite the lack of competition as back-up left back Nacho Monreal fills in at the Gunners injury ravaged central defence.
CB: Per Mertesacker
The big German has looked increasingly vulnerable this season but that could be put down to the lack of a regular partner in central defence after Koscileny’s chronic achilles issues. However, is the vice-captain of the side and the calm leader his teammates look to when the going gets tough.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
The Frenchman’s absence has been keenly felt throughout this season. Arsene Wenger’s inexplicable transfer blunder, to not sign a competent and experienced back up central defender looks all the worse considering Koscielny’s achilles woes.
Still the side’s best and most reliable defender, Arsenal have to hope he has more luck with injuries in the coming months if they want a more robust defensive record.
CM: Moussa Sissoko
The Newcastle no.7 looks a good fit for the Gunners with Arsene Wenger reportedly keen for a powerful midfield presence. He was singled out by Alan Pardew for special praise during the Magpies recent five game rune without dropping a point.
£15 million wouldn’t be a bad price to pay for a robust and proven Premier League midfielders especially considering the long term injury to Wilshere and the unreliable fitness of Mikel Arteta who is expected to be out until January at the earliest.
CM: Aaron Ramsey
It’s been a frustrating season so far for the Welshman who’s shown glimpses of the form of that recently earned him a new, bumper Arsenal contract but just seems to be trying to force it too much at times.
However, his position in the starting XI is not up for question with the 23 year old’s box to box style the perfect partner to compliment Sissoko’s game.
LAM: Alexis Sanchez
Another player who the Gunners can’t afford to start with out. It’s been a blistering few months for Sanchez eight goals in the league and two in Europe.
His gung-ho, run till you drop style might be to his side’s detriment in the long run if he burns out but Arsenal are reaping the benefits of it at the moment.
RAM: Theo Walcott
Out since his knee ligament injury in January this year. Whilst some may not see the benefit of Walcott, Arsenal fans saw the void left by his absence in goals and assists during his time on the sidelines.
Back but not yet up to full match sharpness, he would provide deadly wing play for the gunners if played in tandem with Road Runner impersonator Alexis Sanchez.
CAM: Mesut Özil
Almost forgotten (by me) but definitely missed by the Gunners in recent weeks. Whilst the German gets routinely criticised for his lack of assists and apathetic manner on the pitch, it’s his ball retention that has been so crucial to Arsenal’s success since his £42 million move last summer.
After Özil’s injury against Chelsea, Arsenal have found it difficult to play they way they would like because no-one is able to keep hold of the ball for as long a time as Özil whilst his teammates get into position around him.
With Özil back in the side in January; Sanchez, Walcott and Giroud will be licking their lips in anticipation at the idea of some of the through balls and positions they will be able to exploit once the German returns.
ST: Olivier Giroud
The big man announced himself back fit with a bang against United, even if it didn’t end up mattering, and will look to kick on this term after missing three months through injury.
His exceptional hold-up play was crucial to the Gunners success and time at the top of the league last season. With Alexis Sanchez added to the Gunners wings in the summer Giroud will reap the benefits of Arsenal’s wide players and their speedy runs down the byline. He keeps summer signing Danny Welbeck out of the side.