The trophy drought finally ended as Arsenal made a sensational come-back against Hull City to win the FA Cup after being 2-0 down within the first 10 minutes. Despite the fact that the Gunners made heavy weather of the game by taking it late into extra time and playing into the hands of Hull City initially, they were still good value for their victory. As the season officially ends for the North London club, they would have some key transfers to make in the summer. Most of the fans would be hoping that this would be the start of a new era for the Gunners, the era where Arsenal were a rampant force to be reckoned with and not just a team aiming for a top-four finish.
Here is a potential starting eleven for Arsenal next season. The team will consist of players that Arsene Wenger would most likely choose when he has a fully fit squad.
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
The Polish keeper has been very good this season. Having kept the joint-highest number of clean sheets this year, he shared the Golden Glove with Chelsea’s Petr Cech. He would be expected to be the first choice for the Gunners next season and the fans will hope for similar performances from him.
Right Back: Serge Aurier
The Ivorian Right-Back is one of the heavily rumoured transfer target for Arsenal. With the departure of long serving right-back Bacary Sagna all but confirmed, Arsene Wenger will need a young and quality player for the position. If Wenger truly pursues Aurier with all his determination, he would be able to land the player as he’s very affordable considering Arsenal’s financial stature.
Centre Back: Per Mertesacker
The BFG, as he’s fondly called by fans and team-mates, finally performed to the fans’ expectations to revive the reputation he had at the time he came to Arsenal from Werder Bremen. He has been the leader at the back, and an intelligent defender this season. Arsenal fans will expect him to continue with his performances.
Centre Back: Laurent Koscielny
He has had his best season in Arsenal as he firmly established himself as a first choice ahead of club captain Thomas Vermaelen. He has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season and a key figure for his team during their early and mid-season performances. His stellar season would surely make him the first choice next season next to Mertesacker.
Left Back: Kieran Gibbs
The English left-back has had a decent tournament and has surely been the first choice ahead of Spaniard Nacho Monreal. Gibbs has potential to be much better and is already on his way to realising the potential. Arsenal are pretty equipped in this position as Gibbs is expected to make more starts but Monreal is also good enough to be playing at this position.
Central Midfield: Aaron Ramsey
Easily Arsenal’s best player this season. His energy and work-rate has always been important in the middle of the park, but this season we really saw his finishing being the most improved attribute of his game. His goals were really valuable for the Gunners as he had a very prolific scoring season especially with Ozil in the team. He also scored the winner in the FA Cup final that gave Arsenal it’s coveted trophy.
Central Midfield: Jack Wilshere
There is no doubt that Wilshere is one of the most promising youngsters in Arsenal currently. He has the potential to become one of the best playmakers in England if he continues to improve. He has struggled with injuries but there is no doubt about him making Arsenal’s first team if he’s fully fit. Fans will be expecting a strong season from the player who’s goal won the Goal Of The Season award in the Premier League.
Central Attacking Midfield: Mesut Ozil
Arsenal’s record signing had a roller coaster first season at his new club, but there is little doubt about his world class ability. He will be having a proper pre-season with the Gunners and with a new and more lethal striker up front next season, Ozil will be raring to start. He has also been the lucky charm for Arsenal as with his big money signing, irrespective of his performance, Arsenal grabbed its first trophy in 9 years.
Left Attacking Midfield: Santi Cazorla
The little Spaniard has been delivering consistent performances for the Gunners. He has also been called up to his national team Spain regularly. His quality and intelligence would obviously keep him among the first names that Wenger would choose in his team. He has shown natural ability with both the feet and can play wide as well with Ozil playing central.
Right Wing: Theo Walcott
Walcott was heavily missed by the Gunners this season. His pace and improved finishing was a huge asset especially with Ozil in the team, who was looking for players to make important runs into spaces. We would hope his ACL injury won’t hamper his explosive pace. He would be playing in the right wing, not in the Right Attacking Midfield position as opposed to Cazorla who would be a bit more deep, as he’s expected to be involved in playmaking.
Center Forward: Karim Benzema
The French International striker has been in great goal-scoring form this season as he’s been prolific for both club and country. There have been strong rumours about Arsenal interested in the striker, and Madrid willing to offload him in order to collect money for another superstar signing. He will add instant quality as well as chemistry to the team. His game is well known to former team-mate Ozil as well as his compatriot Giroud who would be fighting for the same position for the national team as well. In Arsene Wenger, he would also have a French manager which would make it easier to settle down in his new club.