Arsenal finished third in the Premier League this season, and with an FA Cup final still to come it could be a slight improvement on the last campaign when they came fourth and won the Cup.
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However, next time round manager Arsene Wenger will be looking for a big change in fortunes, with a title challenge on the cards. With that in mind, the Gunners have been linked to several big summer transfers that could help them to beat current top flight champions Chelsea.
Here is how the North London side could line up in August…
GK) David Ospina
Although a couple of recent mistakes on crosses have put a question mark over the Colombian’s future between the sticks, he has been reliable in the big games so far and deserves to continue as number one.
RB) Hector Bellerin
With Mathieu Debuchy suffering from repeated injuries, the former Barcelona man could continue at full-back. With a full first team pre season behind him the 20-year-old could improve even further.
LB) Nacho Monreal
The Spaniard has managed to take Kieran Gibbs’ place in the side after a series of impressive performances, and there is no reason why Wenger would drop him before the next campaign.
CB) Laurent Koscielny
Undoubtedly the best centre-back at the club, the 29-year-old is a sure fire starter when fit.
CB) Per Mertesacker
His lack of pace is an obvious weakness, but it is likely Gabriel Paulista will be given more time to settle in before becoming a regular starter. There could be a handing over of the reins between the pair partway through the season.
CDM) Francis Coquelin
Since returning from a loan period at Charlton last December, the 24-year-old has been brilliant for the Gunners.
CM) Arturo Vidal
If there is something the North Londoners are missing, it is a box to box midfielder to play in the middle of the park. If ESPN is to be believed, Wenger is keen on the Chilean, and he would be perfect for the role.
CM) Aaron Ramsey
Jack Wilshere is unlucky to miss out to the Welshman, and in truth either could play in this central role. With Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also providing competition this could be one of the most hotly contested positions in the team.
RAM) Mesut Ozil
The World Cup winner may have not lived up to his massive transfer fee, but he is still the best creative player at the Emirates. He may be forced out on to the right by these new additions though, and could drift in from the wing to affect the game.
LAM) Alexis Sanchez
This season’s PFA Fans’ Player of the Year has been a revelation in English football. The 26-year-old’s high energy game and brilliant ability have made him key to the Gunners’ fortunes.
ST) Karim Benzema
While Olivier Giroud is a good striker, he is not a great one. Benzema has scored 22 goals this season despite playing second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo and some injury problems, could he fire Arsenal to the Premier League title? £35 million and Wenger could find out according to ESPN.
