If the rumours are true, Alexis Sanchez has now accepted he will remain an Arsenal player beyond this summer and the Gunners in the Transfer Tavern are delighted.
The forward who was so influential for Arsene Wenger’s side last season has appeared to be chasing a move away all summer, though Wenger has insisted he will not be sold this transfer window.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, with Sanchez now having entered the final year of his current contract, it means he can leave for free next summer.
The Chilean sat out of the Gunners’ Community Shield victory over Chelsea on Sunday.
A slightly makeshift starting XI beat Antonio Conte’s side 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
Despite performing well against the Blues, it’s unlikely Arsene Wenger will utilise the same side on the opening day.
We’ve been debating and think Wenger should start this side to see off Leicester on Friday night…
IN GOAL – PETR CECH
Petr Cech impressed against his old side on the weekend. The Czech Republican is set for a straight fight against David Ospina for the number one spot after Ospina committed his future to the club.
CENTRE-BACK – SHKODRAN MUSTAFI
The 25-year-old returned to pre-season training on Sunday after being given an extended break following his participation at the Confederations Cup with Germany.
He missed the Community Shield, but could feature against Leicester. Monreal will be ready, should Mustafi miss out
CENTRE-BACK – LAURENT KOSCIELNY
The defender is now considered part of the furniture at The Emirates as he geas up for his 8th season for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Koscielny will have his hands full if Jamie Vardy’s good form returns.
CENTRE-BACK ROB HOLDING
The Englishman excelled yet again at Wembley, producing a performance that belied his experience. If Holding maintains his good form this season, an England call up surely awaits.
LEFT-WING BACK – SEAD KOLASINAC
Arsenal’s new left-back was outstanding when he came on. The Bosnian bulldozed his way through the Chelsea defence time and time again, while also heading in the equaliser.
He’s exciting to watch.
RIGHT-WING BACK – ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
The Ox’s summer has been marred by talks over a potential move away, but the Englishman appears to be receiving the game time he desperately craves. It’s a big season for him.
Wenger could still choose to operate him at left-wing-back, with Hector Bellerin on the right.
CENTRE-MIDFIELD – GRANIT XHAKA
Xhaka really stepped up his game against Chelsea, even coming away with a 100% passing accuracy. The Swiss’ brilliant display was rewarded after his free-kick was headed home by Sead Kolasinac.
CENTRE-MIDFIELD – MOHAMED ELNENY
The Egyptian impressed in the Community Shield following Aaron Ramsey’s absence. Elneny will be keen for another creditable performance to cement his place in the middle.
RIGHT-FORWARD – DANNY WELBECK
It’s a important season for Welbeck who has seen his spell at Arsenal hampered by injury. The Englishman is fit for the first time in years on the opening day and will be desperate to challenge Leicester’s backline.
LEFT-FORWARD – ALEX IWOBI
Iwobi played excellently against Chelsea. The 21 year-old’s quick feat and skill often forged Arsenal into good areas and he was unfortunate not to have a hand in a goal.
Though players lie in wait, should the Nigerian slip up against Leicester.
CENTRE-FORWARD – ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE
Arsenal’s club-record signing will be eager to get off to a positive start in North London. Lacazette carries a lot of pressure on his shoulders with Arsenal fans expecting the striker to be as prolific as he was in Ligue 1.
Olivier Giroud appears to be staying and is determined to replace the front man.
