Arsenal are enjoying a decent season so far as, at the time of writing, they’re still in the hunt for honours in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League- although a miracle is required in the latter.
Indeed, it’s been a difficult spell for Arsenal in the past decade as they battled crippling financial restrictions after moving to the Emirates Stadium but the future looks bright, with a talented squad and successive honours in the FA Cup.
This summer though, questions will be asked and money will be expected to be spent. Arsenal are a strong side but you feel they are still a couple short of being leading title favourites and contenders on the European stage- both of which Arsenal fans aspire to enjoy.
As such, Arsenal will face a busy summer that’s likely to see record amounts spent across the Premier League- particularly with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Manchester United looking for a new manager along with Chelsea.
Fear not though Arsenal fans as the prospects look great, as this is how Arsenal could genuine line-up next season if they land their top targets!
Hit the image below to see Arsenal’s possible 2016/17 line-up!
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Petr Cech
Arsenal’s shrewdest signing in years, Petr Cech has proved to be an absolute bargain since his arrival from Chelsea last summer and he’s showed himself to still be one of the best goalkeepers in world football- and the answer to Arsenal’s frailties.
With a strong defence ahead of him, Cech can continue to shine for the next few years and the latest reports suggest he will be handed the captaincy this summer upon the expiration of Mikel Arteta’s contract- and he certainly seems to be a good fit.
Hector Bellerin
In young Spaniard Hector Bellerin, Arsenal have their right-side of defence sorted for the next decade as Bellerin looks to be the best defensive prospect to emerge from the Gunners youth ranks since a certain Ashley Cole- and he didn’t do too bad for himself.
After breaking into the team last season, Bellerin has assured himself of the first-team spot with a continuation of his fantastic performances this term. He’s ousted Mathieu Debuchy out of the squad completely and he’s a crucial asset to the Gunners defence.
Laurent Koscielny
Now in the peak years of his career, Laurent Koscielny is showing himself to be one of the best defenders in the Premier League and the leader of Arsenal’s strong defence. In Koscielny, they have the perfect standing to build a successful side upon.
The French international is consistent in his defensive performances, quelling the opposition attacks, whilst he’s also a threat at the other end. A contender for the next Arsenal captain, Koscielny deserves to prove himself against the best there is.
Per Mertesacker
The German World Cup winner has had his doubters during his time in England but he’s starting to answer back his critics, proving that his lack of pace is rarely a problem as the big centre-half makes up for that in his defensive positioning.
Currently vice-captain, Mertesacker may concede that honour by the fact he’s no longer a guaranteed starter. However, Gabriel Paulista needs developing further so Mertesacker will remain the first-choice heading into next season.
Nacho Monreal
Perhaps the most underrated member of Arsenal’s squad, Nacho Monreal found form at the beginning of 2015 and he hasn’t looked back since. The Gunners previously struggled in the wide areas of defence but they now look solid.
Monreal has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League and he’ll continue to be important for Arsenal, whilst keeping Kieran Gibbs out of the starting line-up and raising questions about the England international’s future.
Francis Coquelin
Arsenal’s new midfield powerhouse Francis Coquelin enjoyed a meteoric rise last season and his importance this term has been clear, especially during the Frenchman’s absence through injury. Now he’s back, Arsenal look on full throttle.
Coquelin will continue to be Arsenal’s midfield anchor next season and he will need a defensive partner who can add to the Gunners midfield. Santi Cazorla is that man at the moment but that could all change, as Wenger has his eyes on the perfect candidate.
Granit Xhaka
The first fresh face in Arsenal’s potential line-up for next season, Swiss international Granit Xhaka could be the perfect replacement for an ageing Santi Cazorla and his partnership with Francis Coquelin in the middle of the park would be tremendous.
Unlike Cazorla, Xhaka is more naturally defensive minded and he’d provide stronger protection to the Gunners back four. Importantly though, he’s always quality on the ball and could provide the sort of passes that Cazorla currently does- giving Arsenal the best of both worlds.
Isco
The highly-rated Spanish international looks set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer and with Manuel Pellegrini leaving Manchester City, the Citizens have seemingly conceded their advantage in the hunt for Isco as they will no longer have his former boss.
Arsenal would be the perfect fitting for Isco though, as his experience in the wide areas would add a dimension to the Gunners attack that has been lacking- as Arsenal tend to put players out-wide that don’t naturally play in that position.
Isco’s preferred role is a central-attacking role but there’s no dislodging Mesut Ozil. With Ozil, Alexis and Isco though, the Gunners front three could be dynamic and switch areas consistently to give the defences a wealth of problems.
Mesut Ozil
The aforementioned Mesut Ozil has been linked with Barcelona this summer but Arsenal are unlikely to let him go. Having just started to find his feet in English football, it would also be surprising to see Ozil jump ship so quickly.
Ozil is well on course to set a Premier League record for assists this season and he’s proven his worth as Arsenal’s most expensive signing ever. With two FA Cups already to his name, the World Cup winner will be keen to increase his honours in England and this side is capable of offering him exactly that.
Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez has been a superstar ever since he first arrived from Barcelona and the scary thing is he can only get better. This season injuries have taken their toll a bit, as has the jet lag from last summer’s Copa America success, but Alexis has still shone.
With the right players around him, Alexis can become a legend at Arsenal and the Chilean maestro would excel in this line-up. For the Gunners, Alexis is a key-player and he’ll continue to be so for the coming years and beyond.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The dream striking target for Arsenal, links with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continue to surface. Whilst Manchester United are also keen on his signature, the fact Arsenal are more likely to be able to offer Champions League football may be decisive.
Gabonese international Aubameyang has proved himself to be one of the best strikers in the world with an audacious scoring record this season. Having starred in Germany and France, the Premier League seems a likely destination- although Spanish clubs could also enter the running for his signature.
