Just two more weeks to go and the Premier League for the new season kicks off. Most of the teams are now busy finalising their squad for the new campaign, while Arsenal haven’t done anything exciting in this transfer window. They let four of their players leave while acquiring the service of only three players. Manager Arsene Wenger confirmed the signing of midfielder Granit Xhaka in June. The Albanian was brought to the Emirates Stadium from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach. They also signed a young centre-back Rob Holding and forward Takuma Asano over a disclosed fee although both of them will most likely join the reserve squad.
But what they urgently need is a good deadly striker. They’ve been suffering in big matches both in England and Europe due to the lack of quality strikers since the departure of Robin Van Persie. Olivier Giroud has not lived up to the expectations but the Gunners has to keep faith in him until Wenger brings someone they can truly rely upon. However, rumours claim that Arsenal are preparing to bid a handsome amount for Marseilles striker Alexandre Lacazette. Some sources also claim that Wenger is looking for a possible move of Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City as he wants some more energy in the midfield.
Injuries is yet another headache for the North Londoners as the club’s official website has announced that German defender Per Mertesacker will be out with injury till the end of the year. Arsenal’s Number 10 Jack Wilshere after missing most of the matches last season with an injury, has now a knee problem which will keep him away from the final warm-up matches. Although Santi Cazorla made an appearance against Guadalajara last Sunday, the Spanish midfielder may not be fully fit till the last week of August.
Despite the rumors and injuries, Arsene Wenger is focusing on their Scandinavian trip this week. The Gunners will play Viking FK on Friday and Manchester City on Sunday. Following those preseasons warm up games, Arsenal will start their Premier League campaign on the 14th of August against Liverpool. One of the most anticipated games on Matchweek 1; Wenger can only hope that none of the other players gets injured before. Wenger will probably keep faith on with his favorite 4-2-3-1 formation like recent seasons but if he can sign a star striker and a midfielder in this window, he can go with the classic 4-3-3 formation.
The most probable line up for Arsenal in their first game aginst Liverpool might be something like this
Petr Cech – (GK)
The 34-year-old Czech goalkeeper will be the Wenger’s first choice over Colombian David Ospina . Moving from arch-rivals Chelsea, Cech has already proved that his age is no factor and will continue playing with minimal errors.
Nacho Monreal – (LB)
This former Malaga full-back is quite good at overlapping and has earned Wenger’s trust since the last couple of seasons making him one of the crucial member in the team.
Gabriel Paulista – (CB)
Following the injury of Mertesacker, he will crucial in the Gunners defense, and will most likely start against Liverpool.
Laurent Koscielny – (CB)
The departure of Thomas Vermaelen saw the growth of Laurent Koscielny as a natural leader in defense. The Frenchman is now the bedrock of the back four and his importance cannot go unnoticed.
Hector Bellerin – (RB)
A La Masia graduate Bellerin was undoubtedly the best right-back in the Premier League last season and is still improving every game. His attack down the wing with his amazing speed is a threat to any team.
Aaron Ramsey – (CM)
It seems unclear where will Ramsey play this season following the arrival of Granit Xhaka and how well can he play for the Gunners, but he reminded everyone at Euro 2016 that he is a top player and mustn’t be left out on any occasion.
Granit Xhaka – (CM)
This newcomer will be most likely given the chance to play in the deep midfield region and will also have to provide the defensive rigidness that Arsenal have been lacking.
Jack Wilshere – (CAM)
Despite his injury in the last game, Wenger is hopeful that he will probably play in their first league game. however, Arsenal cannot rely too much on him due to his injury prone nature. Although if he’s fully fit, it would be a big bonus against for the Gunners.
Mesut Ozil – (LWF)
Arsenal’s superstar and attacking heartbeat must repeat his last season’s form for them which might give them a chance of winning the Premier League title; nevertheless, his teammates must use most of the chances he creates.
Alexis Sanchez – (RWF)
Arsenal, on the contrary, need a new striker as soon as possible, until then all hopes depend on this former Barcelona winger. With 25-goal per season, Alexis Sanchez can help sorting out the Gunners attacking problems.
Olivier Giroud – (CF)
Often criticised for his poor finishes one cannot deny that his importance could change completely if a second striker is bought; however, Giroud himself must play more consistently up front for the Gunners to achieve something great
Arsenal won their last league title back in 2003-04 season which pundits claimed as their golden era, but after that campaign, their glorious era came to a sudden halt as many players left the team and the tactics somehow didn’t work out. The fans had nothing to rejoice until they won the FA Cup back to back in 2013-14 and 2014-15. The fans are now confident that the Premier League title will arrive shortly. To turn the dream into reality Wenger must think and sign players wisely.
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