The Gunners could be a formidable team next season.
After finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the FA Cup in 2013/14, Arsenal will be pleased with their performances but improvement is still needed.
Manager Arsene Wenger is expected to be pledged significant transfer funds this summer by the club’s board and here is how the Gunners XI could look next season after a perfect window of signings.
The starting XI after the break
GK – Iker Casillas
Despite the fact Wojciech Szczesny proved last term that the Pole could be relied upon as the No.1 at the Emirates Stadium, the availability of Casillas could be too good to pass up.
The 33-year-old’s wife has said the goalkeeper will not be leaving Madrid, but after being reduced to cup games over the past two years the Spain captain may welcome more regular game time.
RB – Serge Aurier
Another position set for change is at right-back, where stalwart of seven years Bacary Sagna will no longer be occupying it after confirming he is leaving the club this summer when his current contract expires.
Therefore a replacement is needed and despite looking at a number of options, Wenger has identified Toulouse defender Aurier as the ideal candidate.
LB – Kieran Gibbs
On the opposite flank things look a little better, as Gibbs continues to improve after having faith put in him by the manager.
When the North Londoners sold Gael Clichy in 2011 Wenger said there was no need to sign a replacement as this England international was at the club.
CB – Per Mertesacker
It finally seems as if the side’s defensive vulnerability of the past is being conquered, thanks largely to this German.
When Mertesacker arrived in 2011 there were concerns over the 29-year-old’s pace and mobility, but the centre-back has adapted his game to overcome those obstacles.
CB – Laurent Koscielny
One of the key reasons the Germany international has been such a success however – and vice versa – is the presence of Koscielny alongside him.
The France international relies less on physicality and more on an assured touch and technique and the pair compliment each other perfectly.
CM – Morgan Schneiderlin
Wenger has already passed up the opportunity to re-sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona this summer and that is because the 64-year-old feels the team are well stocked in the Spaniard’s position.
However, in defensive midfield it’s a different story and with Southampton going through a difficult period currently it could be the ideal time to snap up long-term target Schneiderlin.
CM – Aaron Ramsey
In the more advanced central midfield role the boss may have a number of options, but the standout performer has to be Ramsey.
The Welshman had a brilliant campaign last time out – unfortunately hindered by injury – and should continue building on that over the next 12 months
RM – Santi Cazorla
The arrival of Mesut Ozil in a club record £42.4m deal from Real Madrid in 2013 meant Cazorla was moved from his preferred No.10 role and the Spain international took time to adjust.
Yet in the second half of the season the 29-year-old was in fine form and with Theo Walcott still overcoming a cruciate ligament injury expect the Spaniard to start next term.
CAM – Mesut Ozil
As previously mentioned Ozil became the club’s most expensive ever player by some way last summer and yet to many didn’t live up to that price-tag.
Wenger has said the Germany international simply needs time to adjust to life in England and the next year will be very telling.
LM – Antoine Griezmann
On the left flank either Cazorla or Lukas Podolski has generally assumed the role, but the manager could snap up one of his favoured targets to fill the slot.
Wenger is a huge fan of fellow Frenchman Griezmann after the 23-year-old scored 16 La Liga goals for Real Sociedad last term.
ST – Karim Benzema
Saving perhaps the best until last, as one of the key issues for the Gunners in 2013/14 was their lack of options in attack.
Olivier Giroud was relied upon far too much and the club may well look to sign the France international’s teammate Benzema from Real Madrid to add some serious talent upfront.
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