How Arsenal could line up next season if Wenger signs his targets
It has been said that Arsenal have been three or four quality players short of winning the Premier League and with Petr Cech having just signed from Chelsea, they could well be contenders. Prior to his signing, the Gunners were 5/1 to win the title next season, but are now 9/2.
With a number of other world class targets reported to be attracting the attention of Arsene Wenger, their odds could steadily tumble as more check in and join the Emirates elite.
As a result, Coral consider how they might line up in the Community Shield against Chelsea, especially if the north London outfit land targets they have been linked with.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
Signed for one reason and one reason only. To play every game and hopefully for his manager, guarantee the Gunners a number of points that could be the difference between Premier League glory and Champions League qualification.
Right back: Hector Bellerin
Excelled when given a chance last term, and is likely to be first choice again. The 20-year-old has always shown potential and Wenger will be glad that his faith is being repaid.
Energy to burn, he is strong in the tackle, as well as having an eye for goal and looks set to be number one for years to come. Originally installed in the team, because last summer’s signing Mathieu Debuchy was injured, in an ironic turn of events, the Frenchman may be sold, with Calum Chambers also able to play there.
Centre back: Laurent Koscielny
Has been linked to Real Madrid as a replacement for Sergio Ramos if he goes to Manchester United, though the chances are he will be playing his football at the Emirates next season and remain a key part of the defence.
Anything can happen in the transfer window, and if he does leave, Wenger either has to promote January signing Gabriel Paulista, give Chambers a chance or more probably sign someone, with Romas’s Greek defender Kostas Manolas the latest to be linked.
Centre back: Per Mertesacker
Pivotal to Arsenal’s FA Cup win the German giant also scored, highlighting how much of a threat he is from set piece situations. Also equally effective at the back, he will be paramount again next term and has a great on-field relationship with Koscielny.
Left back: Nacho Monreal
Links to Athletic Bilbao won’t go away, though he was one of Arsenal’s most consistent players last season and should resume as the number one in his position, with Keiran Gibbs a useful backup.
Defensive midfielder: William Carvalho
It is reported that Wenger is weighing up a bid for the Sporting Lisbon man, who impressed at the Under-21 Championship with Portugal, though he has a £37.5m release clause in his contract. Francis Coquelin, who raised his game considerably last term gives excellent strength in depth.
Central midfielder: Santi Cazorla
Was Arsenal’s heartbeat in the latter half of the season and since his switch into the middle, he has excelled, enjoying picking out Arsenal’s array of attacking players ahead of him. He can quickly become the equivalent of what Xavi was to Barcelona, though he also has a touch of Andres Iniesta about him, being a credible goal threat.
Left wing: Alexis Sanchez
For most people, the Chilean was the player of the season and although he will miss the first few games of the next campaign, due to his Copa America exploits, he returns as a winner, with Chile having triumphed. Can become an Arsenal great.
Attacking midfield: Mesut Ozil
Though the Gunners have been strongly linked with Bayern Munich’s Mario Gotze, who without a doubt would be an incredible addition, Ozil showed last term just how good he is. He can really make the number 10 role his own.
Right wing: Aaron Ramsey
While he isn’t technically an orthodox wide player, the Welshman has the football brain to occupy this position more than competently. His energetic approach appeals to Wenger, with Ramsey able to run beyond the striker and contribute with goals. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott are also options in this role.
Centre forward: Karim Benzema
There are strong whispers that the Los Blancos man could be the imminent flagship signing that the media has been reporting.
He is the type of frontman that arguably, the Gunners have been missing, and with Olivier Giroud and Walcott also available, Wenger would have an array of different options. Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is another who has been linked, though Benzema would be a more polished alternative.
