Arsenal supporters in the Football Transfer Tavern are looking ahead to the forthcoming season with optimism, as Wenger aims for a swift return to Champions League football.
Having narrowly missed out on qualification for the most treasured competition in world football, Arsenal’s pain has been numbed somewhat with the imminent arrival of Alexandre Lacazette and their triumph against bitter rivals Chelsea, in the final of the FA Cup.
The new season denotes a new beginning and a new chapter in Wenger’s lengthy tenure as Arsenal boss.
While the majority of the Gunners’ attention has been placed on the future of star man Alexis Sanchez, they do have an incoming tour of Australia looming on the horizon.
Their first game is against the Wanderers on July the 13th and the pre-season period is an opportunity for many fringe players to stake their claim for a place in Wenger’s squad.
Our landlord has decided to look at THREE players who must impress on the club’s tour this summer….
Lucas Perez
One player who has been heavily linked with a move away from north London this summer is 28-year-old Lucas Perez.
The Spaniard only made 21 appearances for the Gunners last season, and despite scoring a respectable total of seven goals, it seems that the Arsenal hierarchy is keen to see the forward depart.
However, one could argue that the player didn’t receive sufficient opportunities in an Arsenal shirt.
He’s highly regarded for his ability to shoot from long-range and retain possession of the ball.
He is also able to function as a striker, an attacking midfielder or on the right flank that would provide Wenger with invaluable versatility.
Should Perez thrive on a pre-season tour, he would be an attractive option for Wenger to utilise.
Jack Wilshere
Having finally completed a full season, following constant battles with persistent injury problems, Jack Wilshere returns to the Gunners with his future in North London in doubt.
At one stage of his Arsenal career, he was preordained to become their next great, yet injuries have thwarted the 25-year-old’s progression.
Despite having failed to score a single goal with the Cherries last season and having provided only two assists, the Englishman did prove to be a major figure in Eddie Howe’s side, and could provide Arsenal with the creative spark that they’ve lacked in the holding midfield role.
Calum Chambers
The 22-year-old testified his status as one of Boro’s key players that saw the club return to the second tier of English Football.
Arsenal’s defender made several noteworthy performances at the heart of Middlesbrough’s defence, amassing 24 league games, and also managing to score a goal.
Chambers also provides Arsenal with versatility thanks to his ability to function as a right-back, his return could be of great benefit to Arsenal as they look poised to continue with their 3-4-3 formation that they adopted last season.
What are your thoughts Arsenal fans? Do you agree with our choices? Let us know!
