There are now just six days remaining of the 2015 summer transfer window, and plenty are still unconvinced Arsenal have the squad ready to challenge for the Premier League title.
It has been a pretty quiet summer at the Emirates, with Petr Cech signing from Chelsea the only major story to emerge.
The Gunners are still in need of a another top striker according to various punters and experts, with Olivier Giroud not being backed by many to score the goals to fire them to a title.
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema was heavily linked, until he took to social media earlier in the week to dismiss any suggestions he would be swapping La Liga for the Premier League.
Now it is the turn of Paris St Germain star Edinson Cavani to be linked with a move to the Emirates. With so little time of the transfer window remaining, we have identified the best team Arsenal could field this season if they were able to get their man before the deadline.
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Click on Arsene Wenger to reveal the best XI Arsenal can field this season including Edinson Cavani
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Petr Cech
After a difficult start to his Arsenal career, Petr Cech reminded everyone of his quality during Monday night’s goalless draw with Liverpool.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper made stunning saves from both Christian Benteke and Philippe Coutinho to earn the Gunners a point.
He is set to improve them massively this season.
Hector Bellerin
The Spaniard seems to have made the right back spot his own, following an outstanding second half to last season.
Matheiu Debuchy is now back to full fitness, yet is the former Barcelona man who has started two of the three opening matches when fit this season.
His excellent pace down the right hand side is a major asset for the Gunners, both defensively and going forward.
Per Mertesacker
Arsenal’s big German defender is getting on a bit, and this may well be the last season he is considered a regular starter.
His experience of English football is what is keeping him in ahead of January signing Gabriel Paulista, who impressed as the game wore on against Liverpool on Monday night.
Mertesacker has vast experience of English and European football, and will still prove an asset to the Gunners over the course of the season.
Laurent Koscielny
Arguably the most underrated defender in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s record with and without Koscielny proves just what an important player he is for Arsene Wenger.
It is crucial he manages to stay fit this season if Arsenal have any hope of launching a serious title challenge.
Nacho Monreal
The Spaniard has quietly gone about his business at the Emirates, and is carving himself a reputation as Arsenal’s Mr Consistency.
He is keeping Keiran Gibbs out of the starting line up at the moment, with his calmness and composure on the ball crucial to the way Arsene Wenger likes his team to play.
A couple more goals the likes of which he managed against Manchester United in the FA Cup last season would not go amiss either.
Francis Coquelin
It’s been a whirlwind eight months for the young Frenchman, who appears to have made that defensive midfield position his own.
Coquelin was faultless during the second half of last season, with his performances convincing Wenger not to splash out on another defensive midfielder.
Whether such a young player can keep that standard of performance up for a whole season is now what remains to be seen.
Santi Cazorla
The little Spaniard has become one of the first names on the teamsheet at the Emirates, in a new central midfield position.
Cazorla showed last season he is able to control and dictate the game better from the middle of the park, with his performance in the win over Manchester City at the Ethihad a particularly memorable display last season.
His form this season will be crucial as to whether the Gunners can sustain a title challenge.
Aaron Ramsey
Some have questioned as to why the Welshman has been deployed wide right during the opening three matches of the season, but Wenger has given Ramsey license to roam inside and cause problems.
On his day there seems to be few better goal scoring midfielders in the division.
As is so often the case, it seems the question surrounding Ramsey this season will be how long he can manage to stay fit.
Mesut Ozil
The German continues to divide opinions amongst Premier League supporters, but the one that matters is that of Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners boss has kept his faith with the World Cup winner, with the club’s record signing starting the opening three matches of the season in his preferred position behind a central striker.
Arsenal supporters will be desperate to see a more consistent season from him this time round, with Jack Wilshere also eyeing that number 10 role on his return to fitness.
Alexis Sanchez
One man who certainly doesn’t divide opinion is Alexis Sanchez. The former Barcelona man took the Premier League by storm last season, and Arsenal fans are praying he can do even better this time around.
He could be very much the main man for the Gunners as they bid to win their first league title since 2004.
His Copa America winning exploits with Chile in the summer should give him more confidence and desire to go on and win another major trophy this season.
Edinson Cavani
Those who don’t back Arsenal for a title challenge point the finger at Olivier Giroud, claiming the Frenchman is not a consistent enough goalscorer.
Edinson Cavani would offer a more reliable goal record, and a bit more pace in behind. Giroud still has plenty to offer the Gunners, and Cavani is also capable of playing in those wide areas or as a number 10.
His signing would give the Gunners plenty of options, and plenty more attacking threat – despite Wenger’s confidence he can challenge with the group he already has at his disposal.
But with £200million in the bank, why not treat yourself Arsene?
